As one of the most densely populated municipalities in the New Jersey Highlands, Parsippany-Troy Hills, with its abundant commercial corridors along Routes 46 and 10 and elsewhere, has not disproved the trend that the towns with the most development have the highest taxes. The ratables chase that has led much of its land use decisions has resulted in congestion, damaged lake ecologies, a stressed water supply, flooding, high taxes and other quality of life challenges.
Parsippany-Troy Hills has a chance right now to begin a process of transformation, to channel its redevelopment opportunities towards a coordinated vision that is smart, which enhances rather than depletes its water supply, reduces flooding and that re-establishes a sense of place and community. Rather than developers dictating the needs of the community, the community will invite compatible development to fulfil its needs according to a unified, thoughtful vision. This will be supported by outside grant funding and planning expertise that will shine a bright light on the process, forcing the kind of transparency that prevents back room deals and favors to developers.
On Tuesday, December 18 the Parsippany Town Council will vote on whether or not to get back on track with Conformance to the Highlands Regional Master Plan, the process that will enable this positive transformation. Come hear about Conformance, what it really means for Parsippany and what it has done for other Highlands municipalities that have opted in to Conformance. Please urge the council to pass a resolution to request Parsippany’s participation in the conformance process.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the future of Parsippany. Please be a part of it.
PARSIPPANY — Nicole Coleman a 42-year-old mother of three and a professional child care specialist. She made a career out of her passion, dedicated to her craft; she sought out families with medically fragile (twins, triplets) managing the unexpected challenges that come with multiple children at the same time. The accolades that the families left after each job on care.com are a few stories that clearly describe her patience and natural kindness.
Aside from her love of children comes her infatuation, with butterflies. Butterflies have been a part of Nicole’s entire life. Nicole enjoyed anything with a butterfly on it. She went as far to have a tattoo of one on her arm and enjoyed the story of the butterfly.
Starting in mid-October Nicole began experiencing headaches. Her hair was very long, and she thought maybe it was time to donate her hair, so she did, 11” was donated to be used for a wig for cancer patients going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments. That was not enough to relieve the pain, so she went to the doctor and was given migraine strength medication and was sent home. The side effects of the medicine left her unable to carry out a typical daily schedule. Nicole was brought to the hospital a couple of weeks later, underwent a cat scan and shortly after, Nicole was diagnosed with butterfly gliomas, a form of glioblastoma, the same brain cancer that took the life of Edward Kennedy and John McCain. When the doctor explained to the family what was happening, the doctor described the tumor as if it was in a cocoon and now it’s spreading its wings like a butterfly. He recommended surgery which she never was able to recover and passed on Thanksgiving Day.
The celebration of life gathering was a great testament to my sister’s love for everyone and butterflies. The void Nicole’s departure leaves is tremendous, her brother Bradley set up a fundraising campaign. The campaign was able to collect over $20,000.00 from friends and family, but more donation is needed to help her struggling family.
The story has been covered in local publications like Parsippany Focus and TAPinto Roxbury. Given the local angle, holiday spirit, and touching story, your readers would be interested in this story. To see the campaign and story, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Joe Pennacchio’s office collected over a thousand toys for needy children during the past month. This is an annual event that the Senator runs to help out families in need.
“I am thankful to all those that donated and to the participating schools in my district for helping to make this year’s toy drive a huge success,” Pennachio said.
If you require or know of a needy child who needs toys this holiday season, please contact Senator Pennacchio’s district office no later than Wednesday, December 19. You can reach the office by calling (973) 227-4012.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano has called on the legislature to oppose the legislative redistricting proposal being voted upon this Monday. Soriano released the following statement:
“I am in opposition to the redistricting plan currently in front of the legislature. In our increasingly polarized political climate, our leaders must fight against the corrosive effect of gerrymandering on our democracy, not allow partisan map-making to flourish in yet another state.
I am a proud Democrat, and I have been proud to be a part of the great strides our party has made in this state over the past several years. However, the implementation of a structural advantage that favors one party over another will serve only to delegitimize all future progress our party makes.
The current redistricting process in our state is a model for the rest of the country to follow. From Wisconsin to North Carolina, the Republican Party has drawn themselves gerrymandered maps that strain the concept of democracy. The Democratic Party must be better. We must strive to win on the strength of our ideas, not the strength of our cartography. I implore the legislature to vote this plan down and keep the current redistricting process in place.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano promoted Patrolman Jeffrey Magahan and Patrolman Brian Conover to the rank of Sergeant on Friday, December 14.
Sergeant Conover was promoted in the Council Chambers while Sergeant Magahan was sworn-in via video conference as he is currently deployed with the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia.
Sergeant Jeffrey Magahan was sworn-in via video conference as he is currently deployed with the United States Air Force in Southeast Asia
Sergeant Jeffrey Magahan is a married father of three children who has worked with Parsippany for over eleven years. He was previously employed by the Department of Defense as a police and correctional officer. He has been a member of the United States Air Force as a Security Forces Member for 21 years. He previously served in the United States Army. While serving in the military, Sergeant Magahan earned the Achievement Medal with Valor, the Commendation Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
As a Parsippany Police Officer, Sergeant Magahan has earned 1 Command Citation, a Life Saving Award and 2 Meritorious Service Medals. Sergeant Magahan is a certified 9-1-1 Operator, a Field Training Officer and Crash Investigator. He attended DeVry University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Networking Communications and earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Ocean County College. He also graduated from the Essex County Police Academy in July of 2008. When asked what Sergeant Magahan likes the most about being a police officer in Parsippany, he replied, “Putting on the uniform everyday is an honor. The diversity that Parsippany brings makes it a pleasure to come to work.” Sergeant Magahan should be returning to Parsippany in March 2019.
Sergeant Brian Conover is married father of two children and has been working with Parsippany for over eleven years.
Sergeant Conover taking the Oath of Office while his wife and two daughters look on
Sergeant Conover previously served as a Security Forces Member with the United States Air Force for four years before coming to Parsippany. He has received 2 Command Citations and 1 Unit Commendation. Sergeant Conover has received numerous specializations as he is a 9-1-1 Certified Operator, a Crash Investigator, a prior Rifle Team Member, Public Information Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer and is involved with our Community Policing Program. He was previously assigned to the Patrol Division for 7 years and has been in the Support Services Division for 4 years, he will remain in Support Services as the Division Sergeant. Sergeant Conover went to Saint Elizabeth’s College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies. He graduated from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in 2007 as Class #70. When asked what Sergeant Conover likes the most about being a police officer in Parsippany, he replied, “Being able to serve the diverse population of Parsippany and interacting with them at numerous community events helps me realize how much of a positive effect we have on our community.”
Sergeant Conover signing the Oath of Office
Also sworn in was Patrolman Esterlin Estevez to the Parsippany Police Department. He served in the Marines for four years and received his Bachelor’s Degree in International Criminal Justice from John Jay College. Patrolman Estevez’s eagerness about becoming a police officer came from wanting to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather. Patrolman will enter the 92nd Basic Police Academy Class in January 2019.
Patrolman Esterlin Estevez taking the oath of office while his wife, Natalie holds the biblePatrolman Esterlin Estevez signing the Oath of OfficeEsterlin and Natalie Estevez with Mayor Michael Soriano and Police Chief Andrew Miller
PARSIPPANY — On Friday, December 7, The Friends of Lake Hiawatha sponsored their annual Winterfest at the gazebo on North Beverwyck Road.
Attendance and enthusiasm was high as the children waited for Santa Claus, who came in on a fire truck. Hot chocolate and cookies were served as the children (and parents) waited on line to tell Santa what they want for Christmas.
Two bicycles were raffled off and won by two very excited children.
Throughout the evening, the crowd was entertained by the caroling by Girl Scout Troops 96623 from Knollwood School, 97446 from Lake Hiawatha School and 97442 from Eastlake School.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano joined the festivities and his attendance throughout the evening was very much appreciated by all. A very special thanks to the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department and the Parsippany Traffic Department who help keep everyone safe.
The Friends of Lake Hiawatha is a non-profit organization that began in 2011. The original intent of the organization was to decorate every lamppost in town with snowflakes and wreaths and have barrels for spring and fall flowers. With the generous donations of the majority of the store owners along Beverwyck Road, they were able to accomplish their goals.
The organization did not stop there. They initiated the scarecrow contest which takes place every October and the Winterfest both with the help of the Parsippany Girl Scouts.
The present organization’s members are Antoinette Simmons, Carol Greco and John Pascarella, owner of the Hiawatha Dairy. However, the Winterfest would not be successful without the help of two very important non-official members, Fred Simmons and Carolyn Piccolo. And of course a very big thanks to our Santa Claus.
PARSIPPANY — Christopher Wells is a candidate to graduate with a masters degree during Chadron State College Winter commencement Friday, December 14. More than 70 candidates are scheduled to receive their graduate degrees at 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Dr. Robert Stac, Professor of Mathematics, will speak at the graduate ceremony.
Chadron State College, which was founded in 1911, is the only four-year, regionally-accredited college in the western half of Nebraska. As a public institution with its roots in teacher education, Chadron State takes pride in its accessibility and affordability.
Nearly 3,000 undergraduate, graduate and online students currently attend Chadron State and its curriculum has grown to offer programs and courses in more than 50 majors and endorsements and eight master’s degree programs.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany school teachers have once again united to lend a hand to local residents in need during this time of holiday joy. Educators in all 14 Parsippany-Troy Hills public schools have reached into their pockets to contribute to the annual food bank drive since late September, hoping to make this a plentiful and festive season for more Parsippany residents.
Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano and Food Pantry Director Michele Picone accepted the $1,414.47 donation at Town Hall. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the PTHEA has spearheaded the drive, for a total of nearly $10,000.
The collection comes at a time when teachers in town are facing difficult financial times, having worked without a contract for the last six months. Nonetheless, says PTHEA President Joe Kyle, “We recognize our responsibility as a collective member of this community to help our neighbors, our parents, and our students who may be in need of assistance.” Kyle went on to say, “Our members have been very generous over the years and we are proud to have built a lasting relationship with the Parsippany community. We wish that we could have raised as much as in previous years, but unfortunately we are all dealing with difficult financial times and we don’t see it improving any time soon.”
The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry collects and distributes food items for residents in need on an ongoing basis. Donations may be made in person or by calling (973) 263-7163.
PARSIPPANY — At their Annual Holiday Party, Parsippany Historical Society elected and installed their 2019 officers.
The 2019 Officers and Trustees are: President Randy Tortorello; Vice President Robert Peluso; Treasurer Nancy Brighton; Secretary Jessica Soit; Archivist Sandi Kron: Trustees: Mary Purzycki, Carol Tiesi, Barbara Seamen.
The purposes of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Historical and Preservation Society are to:
Encourage an appreciation for, and an understanding of, the history of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills by holding meetings at which historical lectures, entertainments, discussions, and other programs are scheduled; by marking historical sites, roads, trails, and building; by publishing work concerned with historical research; by working with school administrators and teachers to encourage the study of local history, and by engaging in other appropriate activities;
to seek out, to collect, and to collate material which may help to reveal and illustrate the history of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills in terms of exploration, settlement, and development;
to cooperate with public and private agencies in providing for the preservation and for the display of historic sites and materials;
to conduct or encourage archaeological investigations in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills;
to hold title to real and personal property of historical interest of significance that the Society may acquire;
to hold title to moneys or instruments acquired for the purpose of furthering and/or maintaining the Society’s properties.
History of the Society
The Society was incorporated on June 8, 1998. Since that time the Society has worked toward the mission of preserving and interpreting the Township’s history and historic structures. The Society works with the Township to open the Township’s historic sites, including the Parsippany Museum, also known as the Bolwsby / DeGelleke House, the Smith / Baldwin House, Old Littleton Schoolhouse and the Forge Pond and Dam property. The Society also sponsors programs that highlight the history of the Township and are held at one of the Townships historic properties. The Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Membership in the Society is open to any person, organization, and corporation interested in the preservation of the historical heritage of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month except for the months of July and August. In addition to attending meetings, members are expected to volunteer to support open houses and various events highlighting the history of Parsippany-Troy Hills scheduled throughout the year.
Membership categories include Single $ 15.00; Family $ 25.00; Senior $ 10.00; Sponsor $ 50.00 and Advocate $100.00.
Please consider joining the Society – Click here for membership form.
MORRIS COUNTY — Three high school students from Chester, Randolph, and Wharton recently earned the Morris County 4-H Club’s highest honors for their dedication to the 4-H program, outstanding leadership skills, and positive work in their communities.
Kristen Briney of Chester was named 4-Her of the Year. She is a member of the Dogs R Us 4-H dog-training club and Teen Council 4-H leadership club.
The 2018 National Leadership Award recipients were Elizabeth Kaufmann of Wharton and Johanna Pipoli of Randolph.
Elizabeth is a member of the Puppy Tails 4-H Seeing Eye puppy raising club and the Morris Marksmen 4-H shooting sports club. Johanna is a member of several 4-H clubs including Be The Change community service club, Buckanears small animal club, Dogs R Us, Teen Council, and Wing Nuts poultry club.
These high honors were among some 400 awards presented to members of 18 clubs whose members range in age from kindergarten to high school.
The 18 clubs are: 4-Footed Leaders, Buckanears, Dogs R Us, Feathered Friends, Freedom Fields, Furry Friends, Just Kid N Around, Puppy Tails, Wing Nuts, Mad Stem Scientists, Radical Racers, Claybusters, Morris Marksmen, Knit Wits, Shutterbugs, Be the Change, Kids 4 Kindness and Teen Council. Download the list here.
The youngest 4-H members, in kindergarten through third grade were recognized for their achievements with the Cloverbud Shooting Star Award. Youth in grades 4 and up were eligible to receive the Clover Award in recognition of their work over the past year.
Club members who pushed their abilities and skills further were awarded the Achievement Award and Personal Development Award. Leaders of 4-H clubs also honored the teens who served as positive role models to younger members, went above and beyond to support their 4-H clubs, and took on a leadership role with the Teen Leadership Award.
Each year, 4-H members work to develop their skills in a certain area of their club’s focus. They document relevant financial records, time commitments, and project results in a record book. Kids in grades K-3 receive special recognition for their diligent work in these books while older members are eligible to receive Best in Show for outstanding record keeping. Over 30 members received Best in Show medallions and all participants received judges’ feedback and award recognition for their work.
4H youths show off their stuff at a recent Morris County 4-H Fair
Morris County 4-H Clubs are made possible by the dedicated and caring adult volunteers who serve as club leaders. Each year these leaders are awarded for their years of service to 4-H. Over 60 adult volunteers were honored for their various years of service to the Morris County 4-H program. These caring adult volunteers help youth members grow their skills, knowledge, and abilities each year.
For more information on Morris County 4-H clubs, please contact the office at (973)-285-8301 or email 4hmorris@njaes.rutgers.edu or visit the website.
NEWARK — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved a contract with Bombardier for 113 new rail cars, which includes the first self-propelled multilevel rail cars in the United States.
“This historic purchase is the perfect example of how NJ TRANSIT is reclaiming its position as a national leader in transportation,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “The new self-propelled multilevel cars break new ground in railroad technology and we’re proud that NJ TRANSIT is leading the way. With this investment, we’ll be able to retire the oldest rail cars in our fleet, while increasing reliability, efficiency and customer comfort.”
This order for 113 Multilevel III Passenger Vehicles, the largest order for rail cars in recent years by NJ TRANSIT, will allow the agency to replace the oldest rail cars in its fleet.
The cost for the contract will not exceed $670 million plus contingencies.
The purchase, which consists of 58 “power cars” with electric propulsion capability and 55 non-powered trailer cars, was approved as part of the Fiscal Year 2018 budget. A Request for Proposals (RFP) went out in October 2017.
The Multilevel III Power Cars are Electric Multiple Units (EMU’s), a multiple-unit train consisting of self-propelled cars using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the vehicles on the train.
The vehicles are scheduled to begin testing in the third quarter of 2022 and are expected to enter revenue service during the second quarter of 2023.
The Multilevel III Passenger Vehicles will replace the aging Arrow III EMUs, which are over 40 years old. The new cars increase seating capacity from 1,380 seats on a 12-car Arrow III train to 1,552 seats on a new 12-car Multilevel III train. The new cars will feature roomier two-by-two seating as opposed to the three-person bench seats that are currently on the Arrow III cars. Other customer amenities include USB charging ports for customers and new, onboard information displays.
The base order is for 58 multilevel power cars, 33 cab cars, 16 trailer cars and 6 trailer cars with restrooms. There are also options for an additional 636 cars to replace the remaining single-level cars and accommodate future growth
This purchase is allowing NJ TRANSIT to take a step toward the goal of having the overall average age of all rail vehicles under 30 years old, making for a more modern fleet that supports enhanced comfort, reliability and efficiency.
The benefits of the Multilevel III Passenger Vehicles include reduced operating costs, higher acceleration and an 11 percent increase in seating capacity. The Multilevels also have a higher Mean Distance Between Failure (MDBF); 370,575 miles, compared to 40,046 miles for the Arrow IIIs based on October 2018 data.
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, December 2, we competed at the Robo-Tussle New Jersey Qualifier in Chatham and came home with the prestigious Inspire Award! We also were nominated for the Connect, Motivate, and Think Awards. Our team is very excited to compete with the rest of the advancing New Jersey teams on March 10.
The following week on Saturday, December 8, we played at the West Central Pennsylvania Qualifier in Johnstown! At this event our robot performed extremely consistently, especially our autonomous.
After ranking first, we played an exhilarating round of finals and took home the Winning Alliance Captain title! The Pennsylvania Championship Tournament will be held on March 2nd and 3rd and we are eager to compete.
PARSIPPANY — On November 28, 2018, Delta Dental of New Jersey (DDNJ) formally received the American Heart Association (AHA) 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Bronze Level Recognition as a result of the significant steps they took to build a culture of health in the workplace.
More than 1,000 companies completed the AHA 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Index assessment measuring the effectiveness of their workplace health programs, as well as the overall heart health of their employees. Of these companies, 75 percent received either Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition and 33 of these companies were based in New Jersey.
The Bronze Level Recognition was presented to DDNJ by Peter Cary, Senior Director of Corporate Health and Mission Engagement for the AHA. Companies recognized at the Bronze Level achieved an index score of 86-129 out of a maximum 217 points.
“At Delta Dental of New Jersey, our employees’ health and wellness is a priority and ingrained into our corporate culture,” said Dennis Wilson, CEO and President of Delta Dental of New Jersey. “We are honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association and will continue to invest in the health and well-being of our more than 250 employees in both New Jersey and Connecticut.”
The Index was created by the AHA’s CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 40 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to creating healthy companies and communities. According to the Nielsen 2016 Employee Health Survey, robust and comprehensive strategies for well-being are associated with positive impacts on employees’ health.
DDNJ offers its employees a variety of wellness programs, including: a walking club, stairwell challenges, Weight Watchers, blood pressure screenings, BMI assessments, yoga and other exercise classes in their wellness room, health-related educational sessions on various topics, including oral health, diabetes, and smoking cessation. DDNJ will continue to provide health-related programs to continuously improve the health and well-being of their associates.
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs. For more information click here.
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, click here or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Rutgers University senior Kwaku Agyemang was awarded first place for his entrepreneurship with a business he co-owns: BrownMill Company (BrownMillCompany.com), a Piscataway-based fashion company on a mission to reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. Agyemang received a $1,500 cash prize and will advance to the next round of the competition taking place on January 10th and 11th in Denver, Colorado – and possibly to the global finals in Macau.
Runner-up was awarded to Princeton University Junior Todd Baldwin for his entrepreneurship with WellPower, a sustainable solution to off-grid clean water access.
“These college students are amazing. While studying for their various degrees, they are creating the future of New Jersey and opportunities for the US. We are so proud to have Kwaku Agyemang represent New Jersey at the National Finals,” said Michael Schofel, EO’s New Jersey’s GSEA Chair and Managing Partner of Eastman Companies. “We also thank the extraordinary efforts of the many New Jersey businesses and entrepreneurs from the state’s chapter of EO who helped make this happen, thanks to lending their expertise in finance, marketing, branding, and serial Entrepreneurship.”
We would love if you could help share the word on this year’s local winner! Please let me know if you would be interested in speaking with Michael Schofel, EO’s New Jersey’s GSEA Chair and Managing Partner of Eastman Companies or Kwaku Agyemang.
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) is an international program of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global network of entrepreneurs helping the seeds grow in Houston and throughout the world with a membership of 13,000 entrepreneurs in 57 countries and more than 3.4 million employees worldwide.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Luke Crol carrying some of the toys donated by the employees of UPS
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills PBA Local 131 and the employees of the UPS Innovation Center located at 10 Upper Pond Road collected over 250 toys for this years annual toy-drive.
This year’s recipient was Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) an organization aimed at helping domestic violence victims and their families.
Many thanks to the UPS employees who donated toys at their facility along with the residents of Parsippany who placed toys in the donation box located at Police Headquarters.
Jersey Battered Women’s Service in Morris County is a full-service domestic violence and domestic abuse prevention agency with volunteer opportunities. The services include a 24-hour hotline; counseling; safe house; transitional living; children’s services; life skills education; vocational counseling; batterers’ intervention; legal assistance; teen dating violence services; and professional training, education and youth prevention programs.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Democratic Committee is looking for interns for the spring of 2018 to help us in our efforts to get Democrats elected at all levels of government in Morris County.
2018 was a historic year for Morris County and in 2019, we have a chance to win a record number of local, county and Assembly races.
MCDC Interns will:
Manage social media for various campaigns
Recruit, train and manage volunteers
Coordinate voter outreach efforts
Draft press releases, speeches, scripts, and statements for candidates
Staff candidates at events
Help plan and organize events
If you or someone you know is interested in an internship with the Morris County Democratic Committee, please contact us at info@morrisdems.org or call us at (862) 260-9444.
MORRIS COUNTY — Republican Leader Donald Dinsmore confirmed that he is indeed a candidate for Morris County Freeholder. “I am ready to use my experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors to benefit Morris County.” This announcement also comes with broad support from within the Republican Community.
Harding Township Mayor Christopher Yates stated “Don approaches every challenge intelligently and pragmatically, and he has helped his Town maintain its unique character, I know he can do the same for Morris County.”
Additionally, William Felegi President of the Jefferson Republican Club stated, “I have known Don for years, his commitment to improving our community and furthering the Republican cause is exceptional.”
County-wide Officials Larry Casha, Republican State Committeeman
Hank Lyon, Former Morris County Freeholder
Patti Page, Former Morris County Republican Chair
Richard Wall, Former Morris County Undersheriff and Treasurer of Washington Township Republican Committee
James Barry,Former State Assemblyman
Local Officials & Activists Marie Fragomeni, President, Boonton Republican Club
Doug Travers, Councilman, Borough of Butler
Bruce Harris, Mayor, Borough of Chatham
Len Resto, Councilman, Borough of Chatham
Curt Ritter, Mayor, Township of Chatham
Gene Fitzgerald, Former Councilman, Township of Denville
Kevin Scollans, Former Councilman, Township of Denville
Carol Spencer, Former Mayor and Councilwoman, Township of Denville
Susan Tietjan, Former Councilwoman, Township of East Hanover
Carmen Cefolo-Pane, Council President Borough of Florham Park
Christopher Yates, Mayor, Harding Township
Timothy Jones, Committeeman, Harding Township
Dev Modi, Committeeman, Harding Township
Nanette DiTosto, Committeewoman, Harding Township
Louis Lanzerotti, Former Mayor and Committeeman Harding Township
Mike Flanagan, Republican Activist, Harding Township
William Felegi, Republican Club President- Jefferson Township and Former Vice-Chair Morris County Young Republicans
Jayson Kohut, Chairman, Jefferson Township Republican Committee
Jerry Stevenson, Former Republican Club President, Borough of Madison
June Witty, Councilwoman, Township of Montville
Lisa LoBiondo- Former President, Montville Republican Club
Jonathan Wright, Former Chairman, Morristown Republican Committee
Gene Paradiso, Republican Club President, Borough of Mount Arlington
Alex Roman, Councilman, Township of Mount Olive
Louis Valori, Chairman, Parsippany-Troy Hill Republican Committee, former Council President Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Karen Jordan, President, Randolph Republican Club
Gregg Forsbrey, Committeeman, Township of Washington
Bill Wolgamuth, President, Washington Township Republican Club
Chris Gabbett, Millennial Republican Activist and Madison County Committee Member
Jordan Chester, Former Vice Chair Morris County Young Republicans
Please note: Statements of endorsement are in those individual’s personal capacity, and are not necessarily an endorsement of the organization which they represent.
PARSIPPANY — Hi! My name is Chalupa and I’m a 4-year-old Chihuahua!
I was rescued from a municipal, open-admissions shelter in New York who took me in when my family could no longer care for me. But, don’t be sad for me, now I can find my forever family!
My name is Chalupa and I’m a 4-year-old Chihuahua
My foster family says I do great with other dogs, cats, and kids! I am potty trained and am crate trained! And, guess what? I already know some basic commands!
My favorite place to hang out is right on top of a pillow on my foster family’s couch. This way I am at optimal height to get pets. What can I say? My name really should be King Chalupa!
Chalupa
I love having fun playing with my furry foster siblings. I also enjoy getting some belly rubs and meeting new people. My absolute favorite thing is when my family throws a party. I get so excited I can’t even contain myself! I love being best friends with everyone. I’m a social butterfly!
While I am definitely a fun dog, I am by no means hyper. I Netflix and chill on the couch as good as any other pup! I am really a perfect dog who’s well-trained, fun, happy, and affectionate.
If you are interested in adopting Chalupa, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Like Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
My foster family says I do great with other dogs, cats, and kids!
MORRIS COUNTY — In a move toward a bipartisan wage hike, Republican Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco offered to help Democrats achieve higher take-home pay for minimum-wage earners without solely targeting employers.
“The business community is concerned about the ramp-up period,” explained Bucco (R-Morris). “Assemblyman Hal Wirths and I put have put together a compromise that would raise the minimum wage over time to thirteen dollars an hour but increase the earned income tax credit to 80 percent.”
Bucco explained the plans while participating on a legislative panel with Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin at the annual NJBIA public policy forum last Friday.
Democrat lawmakers are pushing an increase in the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour for most workers by 2024 and for all workers by 2029 under a plan put forward by Coughlin.
The Republican proposal increases the minimum wage to $13 over five years (A4464) and immediately raises the earned income tax credit to 80 percent of the federal level (A4465).
The plan also doubles the employer deduction for compensation paid by small businesses with less than 100 employees (A4466) to reduce higher labors costs from raising the minimum wage.
Bucco also raised concerns with the Democrat plan not protecting workers and businesses alike if there is an economic downturn.
“There has to be some sort of mechanism to slow this down if in fact we go into another deep recession like we saw in 2008,” said Bucco.
The GOP plan freezes the minimum wage for 18 months if employment drops over a three- or six-month period.
Bucco also cautioned lawmakers that raising the minimum wage without indexing the state’s income tax brackets could punish low-income earners by offsetting the potential pay raise with higher taxes. Bucco sponsors a bill (A1399) that would adjust income-tax brackets to inflation so taxpayers don’t face tax hikes as a result of cost-of-living raises.
“As our low-income earners begin to see an increase in their salary they get pushed into the next tax bracket where they are now earning less,” asked Bucco.
Twenty-three states index their income tax brackets to inflation, and the federal government has since 1986. It is widely considered a bipartisan tax policy to protect taxpayers from automatic tax hikes.
PARSIPPANY — Governor Phil Murphy today joined Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, the president and CEO of Earth Friendly Products®, maker of more than 200 ECOS® brand green cleaning products, at the company’s Parsippany manufacturing plant located at 50 Lackawanna Avenue, to support a $15.00 state minimum wage and demonstrate how the company’s investment in its employees is fundamental to its long-term business success. Earth Friendly Products, which has operated in New Jersey for 30 years, starts employees at $17.00 an hour and increased its investment in the state’s economy and environment by opening a Parsippany facility in 2015 that is carbon neutral and Zero Waste Platinum certified.
Governor Phil Murphy and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
Introducing Governor Phil Murphy was Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano. Soriano said “Parsippany is a great place to live, it’s also a great place to do business, even manufacturing. Earth Friendly Products takes care of its employees and worries about and takes cares of its environment. Right now, in the State of New Jersey if you work minimum wage for about 40 hours per week, for 52 weeks, no sick time, no vacation time you are going to make about $17,800 a year. That not a way to live. Think about that for one second. $17,800. I stand with Governor Murphy on promptly promoting our $15.00 minimum wage in the State of New Jersey. Our workforce deserves the same quality of living and standard that everyone enjoys. I am proud of Earth Friendly Products, with their line of ECOS products, operating right here in Parsippany. More money in employees pockets, means more money is being spending here in Parsippany, restaurants and retails stores. It’s going to boost our local economy and it’s going to help New Jersey. Contributing to a thriving small business culture.”
A Bronze Custom Portrait Sculpture of Kelly’s father, Van Vlahakis is displayed in the lobby of the Parsippany location
New Jersey legislators are considering legislation that would raise the state minimum wage to $15.00. Earth Friendly Products, a member of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, strongly supports raising New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15.00 an hour for all workers because it will boost consumer demand, benefit businesses in the form of lower employee turnover and increased employee productivity, and is vital to creating a sustainable economy.
“We know from our own experience that raising the minimum wage to $15.00 will help businesses and employees thrive,” Vlahakis-Hanks said. “We start employees at $17.00 an hour and provide great benefits while selling our products at competitive prices. Investing in our employees has improved our profitability, productivity, employee retention, quality control, customer satisfaction and ability to innovate and grow. Our products are produced in our U.S. facilities in New Jersey, California, Illinois and Washington state. We’re proud to say that our employees are our greatest brand ambassadors.”
ECOS® brand laundry detergent, household cleaners, baby products and pet products are sold at competitive prices in outlets ranging from small retailers to giants like Costco, Walmart and Target. Established in 1967, Earth Friendly Products attributes its decades of success to investing in employees, as well as breaking barriers in green science.
“A $15 minimum wage will not only lift up the current generation of New Jersey working families, but ensure fairness and opportunity for future generations,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “For the more than one million New Jersey workers who earn less than $15.00 an hour, the Legislature needs to act immediately to provide working families with the raise they need to live secure lives. A $15.00 minimum wage is integral to building a stronger and fairer New Jersey.”
A tour of Earth Friendly Products
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Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President CEO Earth Friendly Products discusses the ingredients in the laboratory used in the certified Safer Choice products to Mayor Soriano and Governor Murphy
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President CEO Earth Friendly Products and Governor Phil Murphy. Earth Friendly Products, which has operated in New Jersey for 30 years, starts employees at $17.00 an hour
Vlahakis-Hanks sees a fair state minimum wage as a powerful tool in stimulating across-the-board economic growth, from the neighborhood corner store to leading manufacturers like Earth Friendly Products.
“Raising the minimum wage creates a virtuous cycle of rising wages, consumer demand and job creation,” Vlahakis-Hanks said. “I can’t think of a faster, more direct way to boost the local business economy—yes, including sales of our cleaning products—than to put more money in the pockets of New Jersey workers. It’s a pro-business policy that I’d like to see extended to all New Jersey businesses and workers.”
Today’s plant tour and press conference comes as legislators weigh $15.00 minimum wage legislation. Last week, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin introduced a bill that puts New Jersey’s minimum wage on a path to $15.00 an hour by January 2024 for some workers while businesses with fewer than 10 employees would not reach $15 until January of 2029—more than a decade from now.
“Rebranding Shop Small as Pay Small is the last thing small businesses need,” said Business for a Fair Minimum Wage CEO Holly Sklar. “We support a clean minimum wage bill that treats employees at businesses of all sizes the same—not giving employees of large corporations a raise, while workers at small businesses lag far behind. That would hurt New Jersey’s small businesses and diminish the consumer spending boost that comes from raising wages. Shortsighted small businesses that pay the lower minimum wage would have trouble hiring, see an increase in turnover as employees look elsewhere for pay they can live on, and undercut the customer service that keeps people coming through their doors.”
Earth Friendly Products has five plants located in Parsippany; Cypress, California; Addison, Illinois; Lacey, Washington and Athens, Greece.
Earth Friendly Products is a proud member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dear Editor:
Aside from her love of children comes her infatuation, with butterflies. Butterflies have been a part of Nicole’s entire life. Nicole enjoyed anything with a butterfly on it. She went as far to have a tattoo of one on her arm and enjoyed the story of the butterfly.
MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Joe Pennacchio’s office collected over a thousand toys for needy children during the past month. This is an annual event that the Senator runs to help out families in need.
