Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – June 25, 2019 – Part 2
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Homeowner exposed to cat with Rabies
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department was notified that a stray cat found on Concord Way in the Powder Mill section has tested positive for the Rabies virus.
Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.
Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Do not make pets of wild animals. Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Please keep garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled bird seed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods.
If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspected animal; please act promptly. Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the Health Department. If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, please contact the Parsippany Health Department at (973) 263-7160 and your Veterinarian.
Rep. Sherrill Urges Passage of Her Bipartisan SALT Bill at Ways & Means Committee Hearing
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) appeared in front of the Committee on Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Select Revenue to urge passage of her bipartisan SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, H.R. 2624. Representative Sherrill’s bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Gil Cisneros (D-CA), and endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and National Association of Realtors.
Full text below:
Thank you, Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Smith, and Members of the Committee for the opportunity to testify today.
The 2017 tax bill’s cap on the state and local tax deduction, known as “SALT,” is the number one issue I hear about in North Jersey. Since 1913, the SALT deduction has protected many taxpayers from double taxation by allowing them to deduct all state and local taxes from their federal tax liability. That all changed in 2017, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction.
The SALT cap calls into question the very notion of federalism that underpins our government. Let’s be clear: this policy is unprecedented. It violates 150 years of settled federal tax law. And as my friend and New Jersey colleague, Rep. Pascrell, noted earlier: this is a double-tax, and it is punitive.
New Jersey is one of four states challenging the SALT cap in federal court because this is a direct, targeted assault on particular states and particular communities. By capping deductions on state and local taxes, the 2017 tax law imposes a penalty on taxpayers based solely on the circumstances of where they live. It interferes with cities and states’ authority to make their own choices about how to invest in and govern themselves.
Mr. Chairman, nothing is more important to peoples’ daily lives than the ability to afford to live and work in safe communities with good schools and strong public and private resources. Congress made that much harder for tens of thousands of New Jersey families, the ones I represent. There is a misconception that the SALT deduction does not help the middle class, or working families. That is certainly not true in New Jersey
In 2016, every county in New Jersey – except one – had an average SALT deduction above $10,000. In Morris County, the average SALT deduction in 2016 was more than $23,500. As Mr. Pascrell has pointed out, the vast majority of New Jersey residents affected by the SALT are households with middle incomes between $75,000 to $200,000. Just think what that does for teachers in my district. Families in my community have seen their taxes go up because of the SALT deduction cap and, as a result, they are questioning whether or not they can afford to live in New Jersey.
Don’t take my word for it. A recent survey from the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants showed that 60-percent of respondents said that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the number of clients they would advise to leave the state.
This highlights the failure of the 2017 tax bill. The non-partisan Congressional Research Service recently released a report on economic effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Let me quote it: “On the whole, the growth effects show a relatively small (if any) first-year effect on the economy.”
This trillion-dollar tax law hurt small New Jersey businesses without helping the economy. It increased the deficit instead of increasing wages. It penalized married couples filing jointly. And in a state like New Jersey, it only further penalizes my neighbors who send more money to Washington in federal tax dollars – and get back less – than residents of almost any other state.
Here’s a message I received from Mayor Bruce Harris of Chatham Borough in my district: “The story for Chatham Borough is pretty simple. The average property tax bill is about $14,100, so 40% is no longer deductible. Obviously that impacts people’s pockets; it also impacts housing values. NJ is a ‘payer’ state – it sends much more to the federal government than it receives back. New produce a good share of the nation’s wealth, but are being penalized for that. And, need I mention that we can’t even get decent funding from the feds for infrastructure repairs such as the Gateway Tunnel?”
I understand why my constituents do not feel Washington is working for them. The SALT cap is simply taking money out of the pockets of New Jerseyans and rewarding mostly-wealthy residents in states that don’t share our commitment to invest in quality schools and public services.
What’s more, the SALT tax cap is an active threat to penalize any state or local government that decides to invest in its future. That is why New Jersey and three other states are challenging it in federal court.<
This administration, unfortunately, is arguing that the SALT cap is not a “gun to the head” of states. That may be true. But, as a federal judge pointed out in a hearing just last week,” …it’s a rope to the neck with a gradual squeezing over time.”
While I am committed to full repeal, I also owe it to the people of New Jersey to offer proposals that can garner bipartisan support.
That’s why I recently introduced the bipartisan SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Act with Representatives Stefanik, King, and Cisneros. My bill, H.R. 2624, would make the SALT deduction equal to the standard deduction taken by taxpayers: $12,000 for individual filers; $18,000 for Head of Households; and $24,000 for joint filers
Mr. Chairman, these are the hardworking people across this country being hurt. We owe them a solution and we owe them a vote. Thank you.
Parsippany Hills High School Senior Awards and Scholarships
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School held their annual Senior Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 3.
Below you will find the name of the winner of each scholarship and awards that was presented to the Class of 2019.
| 200 Club of Morris County | Jaclyn Carifi Matthew Lin Abigail Wilson |
| Aaron Lief Scholarship/ American Legion Auxiliary | Teresa Folan |
| Abe Wolkofsky Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| African American Cultural Club Service Award | Doha El Arabi Matthieu Gramvil Desiree McConnell Nikita Morris Angelica Padi Bethany Powell Adney Suvil |
| Andrew J. Quinn Memorial Scholarship | Teresa Folan |
| Asian American Club Award | Olivia Terrell |
| AXA Achievement Scholarship | Aryam Padhair |
| Basil Ricci Memorial Scholarship / Sons of Italy | Jaclyn Carifi Lauren DePietro Arianna DiLauri Jack Summa |
| Bernard Packin Valedictorian Scholarship | Tyler Lee |
| Bob Caprio Memorial Scholarship | Aidan Chao Corinne Diaz |
| Brian E. Mitchell Memorial Music Scholarship | Andrew Choffo |
| Carl L. Ordway Memorial Scholarship | Teresa Folan |
| Coaches Award for Cheerleading | Ashley Davis |
| Coaches Award for Football | Connor Schaefer-Jones |
| Coaches Award for Marching Band | Andrew Choffo |
| Coccia Foundation Scholarship | Mia Maccarella Bethany Powell Winnie Shin Tara Tafro |
| Dora B. Stolfi Memorial Scholarship | Teresa Folan |
| Dorothy Davies Memorial Scholarship | Lauren DePietro |
| Dr. Frank A. Calabria Memorial Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| Emil Johnson Vocational Award | Brendan Evers |
| Freund of Mathematics, Business & Music Scholarship | Philip Yao |
| Greg Puzio Scholarship / Eastlake School PT A | Jade To |
| Indian Cultural Club Service Award | Shruthi Gopinath Dhairya Patel Aakash Sukhadia Priyank Sukhadia Yash Thakor |
| Intervale Leadership for the Future Scholarship | Cindy Lam |
| Italian Honor Society Leadership Award | Teresa Folan Margueritte Lalo |
| Jack Dolan Memorial Scholarship | Cindy Lam |
| John Philip Sousa Award | Andrew Choffo |
| Joseph Windish Memorial Scholarship – Parsippany Education Foundation | Jaclyn Carifi |
| Kanai Lal and Charu Bala Memorial Scholarship | Alison Christian Lauren DePietro Jai Joshi |
| Kate Russell Memorial Scholarship | Arianna DiLauri |
| Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Scholarship | Alison Christian |
| Lake Parsippany Elementary School PTA | Alison Christian |
| Lew Ludwig Memorial Scholarship Scholarship | Ethan Bosi |
| Little Viking Football Award | Kevin Minardi |
| Littleton School Alumni Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi Christopher Velicky |
| Love Like Ashley Memorial Fund Scholarship | Meghan Comerford |
| Maria T. Santillan (’92) Memorial Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| Mildred Towns end Scholarship Award | Lauren DePietro Teresa Folan |
| Morris County College Fair Scholarship | Samantha Denise Gianna Orrico |
| Morristown Alumnae Chapter – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Scholarship | Jason Reid |
| Most Valuable Student Scholarship – Elks National Foundation | Jorge Manzo |
| Mount Tabor PTA Scholarship | Connor Schaefer-Jones |
| Mt. Tabor Band Camp Outstanding Musician Award. | Katherine Grytsayenko |
| National Art Honor Society Award | Emma Mykowski Jade To |
| National Merit Scholarship Commended | Shumsher Dhillon Matthew Lin Aryam Padhiar Tirth Patel Neha Vijay Philip Yao |
| National Merit Scholarship Finalist | Tyler Lee |
| NJAC Outstanding Scholar Athletes Awards | Jacyln Carifi Aidan Chao |
| P .E.O. STAR Scholarship | Teresa Folan |
| Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| Parsippany Hills Football Parents’ Association Scholarship | Connor Schaefer-Jones |
| Parsippany Police Benevolent Association #131 Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| Parsippany Republican Club Scholarship | Andrew Choffo |
| Parsippany Soccer Club Scholarship | Riley Kells Samantha Kievit Christian Torres |
| Parsippany-Troy Hills Senior Citizen Scholarship | Max Bard |
| Patricia Ann Behnke Memorial Scholarship | Dev Patel |
| Pearls of Wisdom Scholarship / AKA Sorority – PI THETA OMEGA CHAPTER | Nikita Morris |
| PGT/GRO – Parents of the Gifted and Talented Scholarship | Diana DeMottie |
| PHHS Band Service Award | Ying-Yi Hsu Enoch Hu Paul Kim Eric Leonard Cody Ruth Philip Yao |
| PHHS Boys’ Basketball Booster Club Scholarship | Jason Reid |
| PHHS Cheerleading Parents’ Association AwardAshley Davis | Ashley Davis |
| PHHS Choir Scholarships | Rachel Klemovitch Brian Kong Ruth Kowalski Devansh Sheth Jubin Thomas Kaneesha Vaz |
| PHHS Faculty & Staff Award | Rachel Klemovitch Brian Kong Ruth Kowalski Devansh Sheth Jubin Thomas Kaneesha Vaz |
| PHHS Faculty & Staff Award | Nicholas Ferro |
| PHHS Female Athlete Award | Amanda Gurth |
| PHHS Field Hockey Senior Scholarship | Aleyna Aydin Arianna DiLauri Johanna Garcia Katherine Mitchell Shannon Murphy Neha Vijay Mansi Vyas |
| PHHS Girls’ Basketball Booster Club Scholarship | Janice Alverio-Rodriguez Jaclyn Carifi Corinne Diaz Victoria Huss Olivia King |
| PHHS Girls’ Lacrosse Club Scholarship | Shannon Murphy |
| PHHS Ice Hockey – Maddy Loftus | Frank Baccaro |
| PHHS Men’s Soccer Parents Booster Association Scholarship | Prem Dhaduk Brandon Strocchia Christian Torres Aidan Zitelli |
| PHHS PTSA Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi Arianna DiLauri Shannon Murphy Konnor Stavrou |
| PHHS Salutatorian Award | Neha Vijay |
| PHHS Swim Team Booster Association Scholarships | Maryam Abdelhalim Meagan Bostek Madelyn Cantrell Ryan Christofferson Lauren DePietro Shruthi Gopinath Rigo Perez Vallika Saraswat Jade To Christopher Velicky Michelle Wong |
| PHHS Top 25 Students | Meagan Bostek Lauren DePietro Teresa Folan Shruthi Gopinath Amanda Gurth Ying-Yi Hsu Eren Jan Jai Joshi Margueritte Lalo Audrey Lee Tyler Lee Matthew Lin Sarah Ludvigsen Mia Maccarella Aryam Padhiar Dev Patel Tirth Patel Winnie Shin Jack Summa Jubin Thomas Christopher Velicky Neha Vijay Abigail Wilson Philip Yao Kyril Yurchuk |
| PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| Princess Anne Millard Scholarship / AKA Sorority | Jason Reid |
| Richard C. Davis Jr. Scholarship | Connor Schaefer-Jones |
| Rocco A. Cerbo Memorial Scholarship | Asher Thurer |
| Spencer Savings Bank Scholarship | Frank Baccaro |
| Steadfast Viking Award | Ying-Yi Hsu |
| Student Council Award | Teresa Folan Ruth Kowalski Kyril Yurchuk |
| Sunrise ShopRite Continuing Education Grant | Jack Summa |
| Tom Cook Memorial Scholarship – Par Troy West Little League | Casey Gorczyca Victoria Huss Joseph Parente |
| Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi |
| US Marine Corps Award for Scholastic Excellence | Audrey Lee |
| US Marine Corps Distinguished Athletic Awards | Meagan Bostek |
| US Marine Corps Distinguished Athletic Awards | Christopher Velicky |
| US Marine Corps Patriotism Award | Janki Patel |
| US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Band Award | Connor Seredvick |
| Vincent Lorenzo Male Athlete Award | Frank Baccaro |
| Wegmans Scholarship / Wegmans Food Market | Cameron Boyle Ciana Leal Cody Ruth |
| William Lu Class of 1977 Educator Awards – in Honor of Claire Pompei | Joanna Garcia |
| William Lu Class of 1977 Educator Awards – in Honor of Ed Heilmeier | Virginia Lanza |
| Woman’s Club of Parsippany – Troy Hills Scholarship | Jaclyn Carifi Alison Christian Lauren DePietro Cindy Lam Kayley Moncada Kaitlyn O’Kean |
Ice Cream, You Scream an Old-Fashioned Day of Fun
MORRIS COUNTY — What goes better with a hot summer day than the cold taste of a delicious ice cream treat! On Sunday, August 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., take the family to Bamboo Brook OEC in Chester Township to enjoy an old-fashioned summer day filled with games, such as hoops and sticks, croquet, a yo-yo contest, and more. Watch the duck races as entries float through the site’s water features among historic gardens. Bring your camera along for a scenic guided tour. Plan on relaxing? Take your favorite lawn chair and blanket, and even a picnic basket, and enjoy an ice cream treat.
Bamboo Brook’s gardens were designed by Martha Brookes Hutcheson, one of the first women landscape architects in the United States. These gardens were designed for cool fun on hot summer days. So travel back in time to see these gardens in their full summer glory. Cost is $8.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register click here or call (973) 326-7601.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
Katherine Lips earns BA degree at Montclair State
PARSIPPANY — Katherine (Katie) Lips was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies by Montclair State University.
She minored in Business. Katie had internships with Chavez For Charity, Transition Professionals and a co op with UPS. She participated in the Peetey Greene program in which she tutored an inmate who is working toward his GED at Northern State Prison.
She played midfield on the MSU Club Field Hockey team and served as Vice President for two years.
Katie is a 2015 graduate of Parsippany High School. She is currently working at UPS.
Meet Pugsley! He is looking for a furever home
MORRIS COUNTY — Forever Home Dog Rescue rescued Pugsley and his siblings from a high kills shelter in NC and they are now living in foster homes in New Jersey. The puppies are about 12-14 weeks old and they were owner surrendered because of the owner’s poor health. The owner told the shelter their mom is AKC Belgian Malinois and the guess is their dad is some type of a mix, maybe lab mix. Pugsley has a shiny black coat with white under his chin and chest. And, he currently weighs 17-18 pounds.
This is what Pugsley’s foster family has to say about him…..”Pugsley is so very sweet! He is affectionate and enjoys cuddling and being around people. Give him a belly rub and he will be very happy puppy! This sweet and calm puppy likes playing with my 2 dogs, playing in the yard and he loves playing with toys! When he wants to be petted, Pugsley will sit patiently and just wait for you to pet him. He is a very smart puppy and he is learning quickly from my dogs. He sleeps through the night without having accidents and he is doing very good with house training. Pugsley is laid back, sweet and cuddly!”
We are sure when you meet Pugsley, you will fall in love!!
Please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application if interested in adopting this sweet pup! You can see more photos and a video clip of him as well as other adoptable pups by clicking here.
Webber bill allowing businesses to deduct food donations clears committee
PARSIPPANY — Businesses that make charitable food donations would be permitted to deduct contributions from their state income taxes under a measure that cleared the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee today. The bill A1914, sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber, would mirror the federal income tax deduction for food donations made from business inventory.
“New Jerseyans are some of the most charitable people in the world,” said Webber (Morris). “It’s time the state starts to reward businesses that make the effort to eliminate waste and help feed the hungry. By offering an incentive like a state tax deduction, we hope to reward those who already do good, encourage more donations, and recognize the businesses that selflessly serve our communities.”
More than a dozen states, including neighboring New York and Delaware, already offer some type of a state-level income tax deduction for charitable food donations. Legislation seeking to create a deduction in New Jersey has been introduced every year for over a decade.
“This is an important piece of legislation that needs to get over the finish line,” said Webber.
To be eligible for the deduction, businesses would have to make the donation to an organization that the IRS has determined is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. In addition, the food must fit the federal definition of “apparently wholesome food,” which means it meets all quality and labeling standards imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Letter to the editor: Roadside Assistance Insurance
Dear Editor:
When you purchase an automobile roadside assistance insurance policy you should have an expectation of being able to use it when needed for towing and repair. At first glance you’re probably thinking… “Those rotten insurance companies, they’re not paying again.” Not so fast! In New Jersey, the bureaucracy has created all sorts of regulations that subvert your best efforts of protecting your family.
As recently as six months ago, I was driving my son’s car on the Palisades Parkway and I got a flat tire. Initially, I tried to change the tire on my own, unfortunately without success. My next course of action was to call my insurance company’s Roadside Assistance for help. I was relieved to have made contact with the customer service call center, but then a problem manifested itself: the operator asked me where I was located. “I’m on Exit 4 on the Palisades Parkway,” I replied.
The next words from the representative made my blood boil. “I’m so sorry Mr. Auth. We are not permitted to send our response team to the Palisades Parkway.” Unfortunately, exclusive contracts are granted to towing services for certain roadways in New Jersey, and the companies charge very exclusive prices – north of $300 on any given call.
Despite my best efforts to “Be Prepared,” the Boy Scout in me was not rewarded that day. That’s why when I was back in Trenton, I introduced Assembly Bill A5310, which requires certain toll road operators and bi-state agencies to allow drivers to choose their own towing company if it’s been purchased on an insurance policy.
My efforts to prepare ahead and to pay a little extra for the comfort of knowing that my wife, my son, and even my dog Pepe, are not going to be stranded and ultimately taken advantage of, should not be thwarted by a towing company. It is time for us all to be free from unwarranted regulations and to benefit from the services afforded by a competitive market place.
Assemblyman Robert J. Auth
The Land Conservancy Names New Preserve for Nancy Conger, Board Chair
MORRIS COUNTY — The Land Conservancy of New Jersey announced it has dedicated its West Brook Preserve in West Milford for Board Chair Nancy Conger.
The Land Conservancy President David Epstein explained that “Preserving this remarkable property was a struggle that we were losing until Nancy got involved to lead the effort. She is our hero and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”
The 198-acre Nancy Conger West Brook Preserve was established in 2017 to preserve the headwaters of the West Brook, a major source of clean water for the Wanaque Reservoir where 2 million New Jersey residents get their drinking water.
The Land Conservancy is about to embark upon a major restoration project for a portion of the brook that was diverted into a ditch. The plan involves plugging the ditch and removing a small dam and five culverts to restore water back into the original stream bed and re-flood the wetlands.
The plan will provide more water for the reservoir during dry times of year, reduce erosion, remove invasive plant species, and rehabilitate the habitat of the imperiled eastern brook trout. “I have been delighted to help The Land Conservancy permanently preserve the West Brook,” Nancy said. “Working with this amazing organization has been a thrill as they have continued to preserve the lands that I love.” Nancy began her career on Wall Street as a stockbroker and went on to found the investment firm Red Hook Management with her husband Bill and serve as its President. Nancy served as Board Chair for Wheaton College and recently received an honorary doctorate for her philanthropic work supporting Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. Nancy has been a Land Conservancy supporter for more than two decades. She was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2013, served as Chair of the Governance Committee, and is currently the Chair of the Board.
“Nancy’s passion for The Land Conservancy and its critical work has inspired me and so many of our Trustees and supporters to do more to help preserve New Jersey’s special places,” said Board Vice Chair Andy Dietz. “It is a great honor for me to work with her.”
Touch-A-Truck was a day of fun for all ages
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its Annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 15 attracting people from all over Morris County and all ages. An estimated 1,300 people enjoyed the event in beautiful sunny weather.
Chairman Nicolas Limanov said there were over 60 vehicles, from fire trucks, ambulances, busses, to dump trucks and everything in between. People of all ages had fun touring the property and seeing the many vehicles.
Remo D’Alessandro, Parsippany Police Department, gave all the children a “ticket” which was redeemable for a free ice cream at the Dairy at Lake Hiawatha.
Touch-a-Truck is a fundraising event to benefit the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Children of all ages can have a hands-on experience with all kinds of vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firemen, first aid squad volunteers, sanitation workers and many more!
Every child received a goody bag full of surprises including a free ice cream cone, free Chick-fil-A sandwich, a sundae from Applebees and so much more.
Aside from being a great time for the family, this event helps support our major initiatives. Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our Parsippany based group supports and sponsors many community causes.
Restaurant Depot supplied the food for all volunteers and First Responders and IHOP Parsippany cooked the delicious breakfast.
Chairman Nicolas Limanov said “It was a wonderful day watching all the children having fun, asking questions and taking pictures. I was happy to add many new vendors including the State Police Helicopter, and the committee expects to add even more for next year. I want to thank all the committee members who helped making this event very successful.”
Assembly approves GOP bill protecting small employers from costly fines for paperwork errors
MORRIS COUNTY — Small businesses can escape costly fines for first-time filing mistakes under legislation that passed the Assembly today. Sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Anthony Bucco, the bill (A1677) suspends fines for inconsequential paperwork procedure violations.
“The state has an unfriendly business environment, and small employers are struggling every day to survive,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “There’s no need to clobber them with fines for technical errors that don’t harm anyone. New Jersey should focus on growing the economy, not punishing job creators for honest mistakes.”
Fines will not be suspended if the violation harms the general public; interferes with the detection of criminal activity; impacts the collection of a tax, debt or revenue; or if it is not corrected within six months.
“The cost of doing business in New Jersey is high enough,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “The last thing small businesses need is to be burdened with penalties for petty errors. Eliminating another burdensome regulation is always a positive step.”
Small businesses employ more than 1.7 million people in New Jersey.
Bill shields homeowners from surprise association fees
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation advanced Monday by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee clarifies a 2017 law that has been used to justify new homeowner association fees on some property owners.
Assemblyman Hal Wirths sponsors the bill (A5043) addressing misinterpretations of the law by some community associations to assess new fees on owners. Sen. Steve Oroho sponsors a version of the bill (S3661) that passed the Senate last week.
“This bill protects people from surprise assessments and compulsory fees,” said Wirths (R-Sussex). “You can’t change the rules in the middle of the game.”
Under the measure, property owners in an association which did not have authority to compel payment of assessments prior to July 13, 2017 are not bound by fees.
The so-called Radburn law strengthened voting rights in common communities, and established election participation protections for residents of planned real estate developments. After it went into effect in 2017, advisors to lake associations reasoned they now had the right to require all owners in developments to pay yearly assessments.
Planned real estate developments, through master deeds, oblige owners to pay for maintenance and support of common areas. By clarifying the original intent of Chapter 106, any disagreements about paying of dues would be settled as they have been previously.
“Steve, Hal and I believe it is regrettable that some homeowners and lake associations are being led to believe that A5043 is somehow taking something away from their associations because one cannot take away something that was never given,” stated Assemblyman Parker Space, a supporter of the measure.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One Mobile Substance Use Outreach Vehicle Complements Free Narcan Distribution
MORRIS COUNTY — As a steady stream of people picked up free Narcan at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Morristown on Tuesday, staff of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One vehicle were ready to train them on administering the life-reviving antidote that reverses an opioid overdose.
Navigating Hope, a Morris County-run outreach vehicle like Hope One that brings social services guidance and referrals directly to individuals, worked alongside the Hope One staff to answer any questions posed by passersby and patrons leaving Rite Aid with their free Naloxone, which is known by the brand name Narcan.
As of 2:00 p.m. on June 18, Rite Aid had distributed 105 of 150 doses of Narcan it received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services as part of a campaign to slow the tide of opioid overdose deaths and bring attention to the health crisis. Of dozens of participating pharmacies across the state, three pharmacies in Morris County took part in the giveaway, including Rite Aid in Morristown, Walgreens in Dover and Walmart in Flanders.
And, as of 2:00 p.m., Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Kelly LaBar, who works aboard Hope One, had trained 14 people on how to correctly administer the nasal spray Narcan to temporarily reverse an overdose.
Many of the people who collected a dose under the no-questions-asked program already are familiar with Narcan because of their jobs as law enforcement officers, paramedics or substance use counselors. But they wanted a dose on hand in case they encounter a person in the throes of an overdose.
Audrey Ma, a mother of three who works in a school district, said she is aware of the dangers of opioid addiction and in particular wants her oldest child to learn about the opioid and heroin crisis.
“You never know when anyone might have an issue. This is reality and like the Girl Scout motto: Be prepared,” Mrs. Ma said after she was trained on Narcan use.
“It’s a fine program. I got some in case a client comes in and needs it,” said Substance Use Counselor Charles R. Berman.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer stopped by the Hope One tent and met Rite Aid Pharmacist Susan Novembre, who was overseeing the Narcan distribution Tuesday morning. Ms. Novembre said the cost for a dose of Narcan for an uninsured person is about $150.
“The statewide free distribution of Naloxone is a tremendous, proactive measure that recognizes the dire toll that opioid addiction is taking on individuals and families,” Sheriff Gannon said.
Hope One, launched on April 3, 2017, brings Narcan training and kits, substance use and mental health services, directly into communities. As of June 17, 2019, Hope One had made contact with 7,299 people, trained 1,770 people in the use of Narcan, arranged for substance use treatment services for 133 people, and mental health treatment services for 98 people.
Navigating Hope, a collaboration between the Morris County Office of Temporary Service and the non-profit Family Promise of Morris County, began its journey around Morris County about one month ago. Its staff helps connect people who are homeless, in need of Food Stamps, Medicaid, General Assistance, Veterans Services or other social programs with the services they need.
On Tuesday, Navigating Hope staff handed out literature about services and assisted for several hours a homeless man living in Morristown.
For more information on the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One program click here.
Young Adults Celebrated for Overcoming Obstacles, Earning Diplomas
PARSIPPANY — Not long ago, Tanaysia Smith was using drugs and living in abandoned buildings in Irvington. She overdosed and spent five months in rehab, only to relapse and return to the streets.
Smith finally decided she’d had enough of that life. The 20-year-old stopped using drugs and enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus last winter to earn her high school diploma. She had dropped out of school a few years before, and getting back into a classroom rhythm wasn’t easy.
“I didn’t like it at first, but they always gave me good advice and encouraged me to keep coming,” Smith said. “They made me see that it was worth it.”
Smith and 36 young adults earned their New Jersey high school diplomas as the NewBridge Job Plus Class of 2019. Dressed in caps and gowns, 25 of them crossed a stage at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts headquarters on June 19 as more than 200 relatives and friends cheered.
“I have 37 new heroes,” said NewBridge Board of Trustees member Patti Lee, a top executive at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
NewBridge trustee James Sarto marveled at the hardships graduates had overcome and their career ambitions. “This chapter of your life is over, and you’re moving ahead,” said Sarto, a former high school principal.“I want you to be fearless. I want you to be successful. I want you to be resilient.”
NewBridge Jobs Plus is the longest-running alternative education program in Morris County and has helped well over 1,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for college, trade schools and careers since 1983. The program, located at the NewBridge Parsippany Center, is free to young adults living in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, and transportation is provided to Morris County residents.
This year’s graduates are from Boonton, Chatham, Denville, Dover, Florham Park, Hackettstown, Hanover, Hopatcong, Jefferson, Morris Plains, Morristown, Mount Olive, Parsippany, Pequannock, Roxbury, and Stanhope.
Sixteen-year-old Dana Miller said she never felt high school was a good fit, so she left during her sophomore year and enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus with her parents’ blessings. She quickly completed her coursework and passed the exam.
“NewBridge Jobs Plus gave me confidence and helped me get to where I needed to be,” Miller said. The Morris Plains resident won the $1,000 Alumni Appreciation Scholarship Award and will attend County College of Morris (CCM) for design in September.
Jaquan Eke became teary-eyed when called to the stage to receive the $1,000 James Ryan Memorial Scholarship Award. NewBridge Services Board of Trustees President Debbie King presented the award, named in honor of her father, one of NewBridge’s founders.
“I messed up bad in high school and you didn’t give up on me,” the 18-year-old said to his parents, Elisa and Osaze Eke, in the audience. Eke said Parsippany High School expelled him in March for testing positive for marijuana use.
That was a blow for Eke, who was a good student and enjoyed high school. He said he just sat on his couch for a month. “I didn’t want to have to start over, but then I remembered what was at stake, and that was enough to motivate me,” he said. “Learning to adapt was a huge thing.”
Eke will study computer science at CCM in the fall, and plans to attend Boston University for his master’s degree.
Morristown resident Harold Munguia won the $1,000 Lakeland Bank Scholarship Award and plans to study radiology at CCM. NewBridge “really supported me and they helped me grow up,” the 19-year-old said.
Brian Rutan received the $1,000 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Scholarship Award and plans to pursue a degree in music at CCM. The Mount Olive resident has been playing instruments since the fourth grade. NewBridge Jobs Plus was a better fit for him than high school. “I liked how understanding everyone there was,” the 17-year-old said.
Tanaysia Smith won the $1,000 Skylar Matthews Memorial Scholarship Award, created in memory of a 2017 graduate, and was named Associate of the Year. “She never let anything stand in her way,” NewBridge Jobs Plus Educational Coordinator James Ivey said. The Morristown resident plans to study at the Fortis Institute and pursue a career in the medical field.
Smith’s mother cried when her daughter told her she passed the state high school exam. “It’s been such a long journey. She didn’t think she deserved good things, but she’s strong and she’s smart, and I always knew she was destined for something great,” said Lakesha Smith. She and other family members wore shirts that read, “The tassel was worth the hassle.”
Phil Silva, a 1999 graduate, shared how NewBridge Jobs Plus helped him turn his life around and urged the Class of 2019 to persevere and remain disciplined.
NewBridge Jobs Plus receives funding from: the Charles Emil Thenen Foundation; Community Foundation of New Jersey; Holmes Family Foundation; John Bickford Foundation; Lakeland Bank; Morris County Freeholders; Morris County Human Services; Morris County Vocational School District; Morris-Sussex-Warren Employment Training Services; Morris-Sussex-Warren Workforce Development Board; TD Bank Charitable Foundation; and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
About NewBridge
NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a premier provider of counseling services, housing and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving more than 7,200 adults and seniors last year alone. NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief and challenging relationships; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its more than 56-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.
Police search for suspects in at least 27 concession stand burglaries
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with law enforcement agencies in six New Jersey counties to track down a couple suspected of breaking into at least 27 concession stands at Little League, school and community recreation fields since April.
The burglaries, which span April 24 through Thursday, June 20, have been reported in Morris, Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Passaic and Sussex counties. The break-ins involve significant damage to the doors of the structures and theft of cash, candy, beverages and other items.
Surveillance images of a man and woman whom authorities suspect of targeting the concession stands were captured at the Woodbridge Little League concession stand on Van Buren Street in Woodbridge. Additional images were captured at stands in Teaneck and Hasbrouck Heights in Bergen County.
The largest theft so far during a break-in netted the perpetrators as much as $700 in cash. Beyond cash or items stolen, the thieves caused significant damage while breaking in. Some local businesses have stepped forward to assist with paying for repairs.
The latest break-in, occurring sometime between the evening of Wednesday, June 19, and the morning of Thursday, June 20, was reported at a concession stand at Overpeck County Park in Paramus.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Systems Analyst Jane Recktenwald, who oversees the Office Trends and Analysis Unit known as MCSTAT, is gathering and assessing data, and working cooperatively with police in all the affected municipalities on the crime they have in common.
“This is a prime opportunity for law enforcement agencies to share intelligence to apprehend perpetrators who are stealing from children, their families, schools and recreation programs that count on concession stand sales to support Little League and other sport activities,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
Analyst Recktenwald said concession stand operators are advised to remove cash from the premises upon closing and try to secure or lock up candy, beverages and other sale items. Police are also advised to make frequent checks of concession stands in their communities.
Morris and Passaic counties have been targeted most frequently so far, with eight concession stands reportedly burglarized in each.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives are assisting in the investigations, including collection of evidence, within Morris County.
The Morris County burglaries include:
- Parsippany-Troy Hills Little League East on May 2;
- Jefferson Parks Department concession stand between May 11 and May 13;
- Burnham Park Little League concession stand between May 15 and May 16.
- Lake Parsippany Park concession stand between May 24 and May 27;
- Madison High School concession stand between May 31 and June 1;
- Dodge Field in Madison concession stand between May 31 and June 2;
- Anderson Field in Kinnelon concession stand between June 6 and June 7;
- Donatoni Park concession stand, Rockaway Borough, break-in reported June 20.
Bergen County authorities are investigating related burglaries at four stands in Elmwood Park, Paramus, Teaneck and Hasbrouck Heights.
In Essex County, stands were burglarized in Belleville, Livingston and Verona.
In Middlesex County, a concession stand was broken into in Woodbridge.
In Passaic County, thieves burglarized the same stand twice in Totowa, two separate fields in Clifton, and stands in Wayne, Paterson, Little Falls and Bloomingdale.
In Sussex County, two stands in Stanhope Borough were burglarized.
DeCroce bill protects dentists and patients from “silent PPOs”
PARSIPPANY — The Assembly advanced a bill (A605) sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce that would stop dental insurance companies from selling or renting their provider networks and discounts to third parties. These arrangements, referred to as “silent PPOs” or “rental networks,” are often made without the knowledge of dentists or patients.
“This bill is all about transparency and protecting patients and dentists from these hidden agreements that end up costing them,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “People should know what is being covered by their health insurance and dentists should know what to expect in the form of reimbursements.”
Dentists and other providers generally join a health insurance’s PPO network and agree to take lower compensation than they otherwise might charge in exchange for a flow of patients. When the health insurance company sells or rents their PPO network to a third party without notifying the providers it is called a silent PPO. The in-network dentist then unknowingly provides service at a discounted rate to patients not in the original network.
Most health care providers are not even aware they are in a silent PPO until they receive reimbursement from a third party that claims entitlement to a payment reduction.
Silent PPOs hit a nerve in patients, too. Without accurate cost and benefit information, patients could end up receiving an unexpected bill or forgo treatment because of the out-of-pocket price.
“No one deserves a surprise statement in the mail,” said DeCroce. “Not only can this impact their pockets, but also their oral health.”
The bill would only permit health insurers to contract with third parties if they give dentists in their network the ability to opt out of such an agreement.
Assembly advances Space bill designating county correctional officers, wardens as police
TRENTON —The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space that would add the word “police” to the titles of county correctional officers, wardens and deputy wardens.
“This bill helps clarify the powers that these officers of the law already possess and eliminates any confusion over their authority,” said Space (R-Sussex).
In January last year, legislation was enacted that similarly changed the titles of state corrections officers. The law aims to support officers when they are assigned to duties outside their normal operations by making it clear they have police powers, including the ability to make arrests.
Under the bill, S1739/A3236, the Civil Service Commission is directed to create the following new titles: county correctional police officer, county correctional police warden and county correctional deputy police warden. Any fees associated with the title changes will be covered by the officer, warden and deputy warden. This may include any cost associated with an updated uniform, badge, or equipment.
The Senate version, S-1739 is prime sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), and passed 34-0.
Elizabeth driver charged with DWI
PARSIPPANY — While on patrol, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Garza observed a 2009 Nissan Murano traveling on Route 10 West with its four way flashers activated, on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 a.m.
As he continued to observe the vehicle, he also noticed that the driver was failing to maintain its lane and crossed over the stripped lane markings.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted and contact was made with the driver, Mr. Freddy Barandica, 52, Elizabeth.
After a brief investigation, Mr. Barandica was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wifflemania XXXV raised over $1,500 for local charities
PARSIPPANY — 21 teams and 100 fans participated in the Wifflemania XXXV tournament held this past Saturday, June 22 at Smith Field Park.
The competition was great during bracket play as they saw a total of 18 games decided by 1 run.
Congratulations to New Era’s Jeremy DeCotiis, Austin DeCotiis, Matt Ajaj & Brandon Magnotta. The wiffle studs from Jefferson lived up to their 3-peat guarantee winning their 3rd consecutive title. After going 4-0 in bracket play, they went on to smash 6 HR’s en-route to a 12-4 thrashing of the Bangers in the finals to take home the cup.
New Era RF, Brandon “Spongecake” Magnotta was named the tournament’s MVP for the 1st time while teammate, Jeremy DeCotiis won HR King, blasting 8 HR’s, including 2 in the finals.
New Era defeated Batnottas 13-0 in the NL Bracket Final while Bangers defeated Dad Bods 6-5 in the AL Bracket Final.
Thanks to all our reliable friends and family who helped put this event together and to those guys that umped all day.
Wiffle Mania XXXV raised approximately $1500 dollars which we will again be donating to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Valerie Fund and The Parsippany Food Pantry.
Official WM XXXV Records
New Era 5-0
Bangers 4-1
Dad Bods 5-2
Batnottas 3-2
Intervale Bulldogs 3-2
Young Guns 3-2
Splash Bros. 3-2
Mudhens 2-2
Ballbusters 2-2
EH Ballers 2-2
Lox Stocked and Bageled 1-2
Odd Balls 1-2
Sons of Italy 1-2
El Hectors 1-2
Wise Guys 1-2
NYC Sluggers 1-2
Harry Ballers 1-2
FP All Stars 0-2
Friends Wiff Benefits 0-2
Barnyard Bombers 0-2
Outlaws 0-2
