PARSIPPANY — The Assembly unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to increase health care options and savings for teachers and other public education employees. Republican sponsors BettyLou DeCroce and Ron Dancer say the legislation helps everyone, including taxpayers.
“When we can provide savings for public employees and taxpayers in one bill, we are doing our job,” said Dancer (R-Monmouth). “This bill exemplifies the work that needs to be done and I aim to accomplish as a legislator.”
The bill (A20/S2273) provides two lower-cost health plan options to public education employees, permitting a choice of three plans, and reduces premium rates to a low of 1.7 for single coverage and up to 7.2 percent for family plans based on salary.
It replaces Chapter 78, which charged employees from 3 percent of the premium to 35 percent of the premium based on salary.
“The cost of health benefits was far too costly for taxpayers and public education workers,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Any time we have an opportunity to make living and working in New Jersey more affordable for everyone, the opportunity must be seized. I am proud to sponsor this bill.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Urban Edge Properties announced a new lease with Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace at Briarcliff Commons in Morris Plains, continuing the redevelopment plan underway at this property.
Uncle Giuseppe’s will occupy over 42,000 square feet and will feature its signature gourmet offerings in a full-service grocery setting. It is expected to open by the fall of 2021 and will be the grocer’s second store in New Jersey, following on the enormous success of its first store in Ramsey. The new Uncle Giuseppe’s store at Briarcliff Commons will bring this beloved brand to Morris County, offering key essentials as well as its unique selection of specialty items in a convenient location with ample parking.
Well-located at the intersection of Route 10 and Route 202 in Morris Plains, Briarcliff Commons was renovated in 2019 and welcomed new tenants First Watch, Chick-fil-A, and Skechers. Chopt Creative Salad Company will join the strong tenant line up in the summer of 2021. Urban Edge continues to advance the redevelopment of Briarcliff Commons to take advantage of the significant long-term potential of this key asset.<
“Briarcliff Commons is already the most visited shopping center in its market for everyday needs, and we expect the addition of Uncle Giuseppe’s will increase visits further while introducing a one-of-a-kind, specialty grocery experience unmatched in this market,” said Chris Weilminster, EVP and COO of Urban Edge Properties. “We are very pleased that our recent investment to renovate and redevelop this property, including the new retail lineup, has enhanced the offering for the community. It’s a win-win, and we look forward to welcoming Uncle Giuseppe’s.”
ABOUT URBAN EDGE PROPERTIES
Urban Edge Properties is an NYSE listed real estate investment trust focused on managing, acquiring, developing, and redeveloping retail real estate in urban communities, primarily in the New York metropolitan region. Urban Edge owns 78 properties totaling 15.1 million square feet of gross leasable area.
WEST ORANGE — Due to the steady decline in the number of individuals with COVID-19 in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health announces that effective immediately, all hospitals in the system will begin permitting visitation within defined safety parameters. Visitation for patients with confirmed COVID-19 will still be restricted to extenuating circumstances only such as hospice or end of life. Under the guidance of the New Jersey Department of Health, visitors will be allowed as outlined below:
All visitors must be 18 years of age or older, except in rare exceptions as determined by the facility.
Adult Inpatient Acute Care Units: one person per patient at a time is permitted between the hours of 12 and 8:00 p.m.
Pediatric Units: two parents or guardians are permitted at any time where the patient is a minor.
Neonatal Intensive Care Units: two parents/support persons are permitted at any time.
Maternity and Labor & Delivery units: one significant other/support person is permitted. Once in the labor and delivery unit, the designated support person must have extremely limited access to the other areas of the hospital and will not be permitted to leave and reenter the unit.
Emergency Department: one visitor per patient is permitted at any time for adult patients. Two parents or guardians are permitted at any time where the patient is a minor.
Behavioral Health Adult Units: no visitors permitted until further notice.
Pediatric Psychiatric Patients: only one parent/guardian is permitted if/when a mutual agreement between the care team and the parents/guardian has been reached.
Visitors may not be present during procedures or in the recovery room, except for pediatrics, childbirth, and patients with an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability.
Same-day surgery or procedure patients, except for pediatrics, and patients with an intellectual, developmental, or other cognitive disability, may have one support person prior to and after the procedure. The support person may remain with the patient through the initial intake process and may rejoin the patient for the discharge process.
Outpatients may be accompanied by one adult. Visitors may wait for the patient in the hospital or facility’s designated waiting area (subject to physical space availability), while the patient is having his/her procedure.
All visitors must undergo symptoms and temperature checks upon entering any of our facilities. If they present with fever or symptoms, they will not be allowed entry into the facility as recommended by the CDC.
All visitors must perform hand hygiene before visiting a patient and once in the hospital or facility, visitors shall remain in the patient’s room (or Emergency Department bay) as much as possible throughout the visit, except when directed by hospital or facility staff to leave during an aerosol-generating procedure or other procedures in which visitors are usually asked to leave.
Additionally, upon arrival, all visitors will be provided with and must wear appropriate PPE as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visitors will need a procedure mask only unless an individual is permitted to visit a COVID-19 positive patient because of extenuating circumstances. In this situation, staff will direct the visitor to the appropriate PPE. At the time of entrance, all visitors will be provided instructions on how to wear face masks. If a visitor refuses to wear a mask or other PPE as indicated, that individual will be asked to leave the facility.
More details and additional information on the RWJBarnabas Health visitation guidelines can be found by clicking here.
“RWJBarnabas Health has developed policies and procedures to prioritize and ensure the health and safety of all patients, visitors and staff in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said John F. Bonamo, MD, MS, FACOG, FACPE, Executive Vice President, Chief Medical and Quality Officer of RWJBarnabas Health. “One of the most important safeguards established to achieve this goal has been restricting visitation in our facilities. However, we recognize the vital role that family members and loved ones have in the healing and well-being of our patients, and with declining numbers in the state we are happy to announce that visitors will be permitted again.”
Safe Resumption of Specialty Care Services
Now that the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey has passed, RWJBarnabas Health has resumed specialty care services to continue to safely and reliably serve its surrounding communities and provide care for all patients. Patients no longer need to delay care which can put them at increased health risks. Through a thoughtful and structured approach and following adherence to all public health guidance and regulatory policies, RWJBarnabas Health’s specialty programs are now able to provide more robust clinical operations including treatments, diagnoses, screenings and elective surgery procedures.
“We recognize that patients and their families may be apprehensive about of seeking medical care at this time, but we have taken every precaution to welcome them back safely. We also know that many people have been putting off care due to the pandemic but we want them to know that it’s safe to come back and encourage them to minimize potential health risks by not putting off care any longer,” said Dr. Bonamo. “As a high-reliability organization, safety comes first and is embedded in everything we do. We are taking the appropriate precautions and using best practices to continue to ensure the highest quality care, protection, support, and comfort for all of our patents.”
To provide appropriate care and reduce the risk of infection for caregivers, patients, and staff, all patients admitted to any RWJBarnabas hospital will have a COVID-19 test as part of the pre-admission testing process including scheduled elective surgeries and Emergency Department patients. Elective surgery patients will be required to self-quarantine following testing and up until the day of surgery. Additionally, all those entering an RWJBH facility, including patients, visitors, vendors, staff, and physicians will have their temperature checked with an infrared thermometer upon arrival, will be asked screening questions about COVID-19 symptoms, per CDC guidelines and will receive a COVID-19 test. Those who present with a fever over 100 degrees or who answer ‘yes’ to any symptoms will be directed to a specifically designated area for counseling. All patients who are COVID-19 positive or presumptive positive will continue to be separated from the general patient population. Additional safety measures include:
Adherence to the guidance and established criteria of the CDC, the American Hospital Association, leading national associations of nurses, surgeons and anesthesiologists and the New Jersey Department of Health
Staff vigilance regarding the appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with all patients, including COVID-19 positive and non-COVID patients
Stringent cleaning and disinfection throughout our facilities and in all rooms, including equipment and surfaces, frequently and between patients
Active screening of all team members, patients and visitors upon entering a facility for temperature and symptoms
Requiring everyone who enters a facility to wear a mask or face covering, per CDC universal masking guidelines and our RWJBarnabas Health mask policy
Social and physical distancing measures for all people in our facilities – in all employee and patient areas – such as minimizing time in waiting areas, spacing chairs at least six feet apart, marking floors with tape at proper intervals and maintaining low patient flow so as not to cause crowding
Strict hand hygiene and availability of hand sanitizer in all employee and patient areas
Virtual communication for patients to connect with their loved ones needed now with visitation?
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed a three-month spending plan into law on Tuesday that includes a series of deep cuts and spending deferrals to help the state meet its most basic obligations through the extended fiscal year (FY 2020), which ends September 30.
New Jersey extended its fiscal year beyond the traditional closing date of June 30 in light of the extreme uncertainty caused by the global pandemic and the subsequent decision to extend state and federal tax filing deadlines to July 15 to help taxpayers weather the COVID-19 crisis.
“The fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are as unprecedented as this public health emergency itself,” said Governor Murphy. “As we move forward toward the nine-month Fiscal 2021 budget, our choices will have an even bigger impact. But, make no mistake, we cannot just cut our way forward. We must have the flexibility to borrow essential funds to secure the core services we will rely upon as we emerge from this pandemic, and we need direct assistance from the federal government. Absent those, the tough decisions we have made now will pale in comparison to those which lay just around the corner.”
The $7.632 billion spending plan signed by the Governor is relatively unchanged from the proposal the Administration put forth in its May 22 budget update to the Legislature. It authorizes the deappropriation of nearly $1.2 billion in funds enacted in the FY 2020 Appropriations Act, does not include nearly $850 million in new spending proposed in the Governor’s February budget message, defers a number of significant payments (described below), and does not include any new revenue raisers.
“We have been working around the clock since this crisis hit to get a handle on the state’s continuously evolving finances,” b “The one certainty forecasters can agree on at this point is that uncertainty lies ahead and we must prepare for that. Unfortunately, this means we must brace ourselves for more painful decisions on the road ahead.”
As a result, the supplemental appropriations bill includes a 5 percent across-the-board reduction in funding for non-salary operating costs and a 10 percent reduction in discretionary grants. It also includes savings from delaying cost-of-living adjustments as part of the agreement negotiated in good faith with the Communications Workers of America.
The three-month spending plan provides sufficient funds to support the projected need for social services programs through the end of September and 25 percent of the annual need for operating costs that were not otherwise reduced. State Aid, grants, and other mandatory payments are generally recommended to be appropriated during the three-month extended fiscal year based on the normal timing of disbursements or as projected to cover actual services rendered.
More specifically, the supplemental appropriations bill includes the following key provisions across various state departments:
Community Affairs: Delays September payments for Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (CMPTRA) and Energy Tax Receipts (ETR) until October.
Education: Continues to implement the school funding formula designed in partnership with the Legislature without any additional funding over FY 2020; delays the September 22nd school aid payment into October; and defers the September school choice payments.
Health: Provides the same overall funding for hospitals as the first quarter of FY 2020 (Charity Care, Graduate Medical Education); however the distribution may vary because funding will be allocated based on FY 2021 data.
Labor and Workforce Development: Includes $3.875 million to modernize unemployment processing.
Higher Education: Maintains tuition assistance programs for post-secondary students—including Tuition Aid Grants, the Educational Opportunity Fund, and Community College Opportunity Grants—at their FY 2020 funding levels. Also includes $52 million in operating aid for senior public higher education institutions and almost $14 million in operating aid for community colleges.
Transportation: Does not include any state subsidy for NJ TRANSIT due to $1.4 billion in federal CARES Act funding being provided to the agency.
Treasury: Does not include Senior Freeze or Homestead Benefit payments and delays the September pension payment into October.
The three-month spending plan is supported by $8.625 billion in total resources and ends with a surplus of $956 million through September 30. The revised surplus – which includes the transfer of the entire $421 million Surplus Revenue Fund (also known as the Rainy Day Fund) to the General Fund – is up $462 million from the May 22 budget update.
he improved revenue forecast is primarily due to Sales and Use Tax revenue exceeding expectations as a result of the incremental re-opening of New Jersey’s economy. However, the state must still contend with a historic decline in overall projected revenue and the uncertainty over whether taxpayers will request extensions beyond the already extended July 15 deadline for personal income tax filings or claim refunds for overpayment of Corporation Business Tax obligations.
The Administration and the Legislature must now work on crafting a nine-month budget for the Fiscal Year 2021, which will run from October 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, under the legislation that previously authorized the extension of the current fiscal year.
Applebee's is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center
PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar®, 1057 Route 46, is inviting families to visit and celebrate Independence Day with a special Kids Eat Free promotion.* Families who dine at Applebee’s and mention this offer or order through Applebees.com using code KIDS on Saturday, July 4 will receive a free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entrée. Children 12 years and under can choose from a variety of entrées from the Applebee’s Kids’ Menu includes cheesy pizza, chicken tenders, Mac and cheese, corn dog, and cheeseburger (not quesadilla) and the drinks are just fountain drink, chocolate milk, and milk. (Not lemonades or juiced as those are an extra charge)
*This Kids Eat Free special will be available at Parsippany Applebee’s and other locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Saturday, July 4 only.
*This promotion consists of one free kids entrée with the purchase of one adult entrée.
*Total order must be a minimum of $15.
*Valid through dine-in, online, and delivery through Applebees.com.
*Applebee’s locations in New Jersey are currently open for outdoor dining, pick-up, and delivery.
This promotion is available at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey, including Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Totowa, Union, and Wall.
NEWARK — The ex-husband of one of the stars of the Bravo television show “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” and an organized crime soldier were arrested on charges of planning and carrying out an assault of the Bravo star’s current husband in exchange for a lavish wedding reception, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Thomas Manzo, 55, of Franklin Lakes, and John Perna, 43, of Cedar Grove, are each charged by indictment with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity. The indictment also charges Perna – identified in the indictment as a soldier in the Lucchese Crime Family – with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud related to the submission of a false car insurance claim, and Manzo with falsifying and concealing records related to the federal investigation of the violent crime. Both defendants will make their initial appearances today by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor.
According to the documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In the spring of 2015, Manzo, one of the owners of the Brownstone Restaurant in Paterson, allegedly hired Perna to assault his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend in exchange for a deeply discounted wedding reception for Perna held at the upscale venue.
Perna, who is a “made man” in the Lucchese Crime Family with his own crew, worked with his associates to plan and carry out the assault, which took place in July of 2015.
In exchange for committing the assault, Perna held a lavish wedding reception at Manzo’s restaurant for a fraction of the price, which was paid by another Lucchese associate and close friend of Manzo’s. The wedding and reception, held in August 2015, were attended by approximately 330 people and included many members of the Lucchese Crime Family.
Separately, prior to the date that Perna was scheduled to begin serving a state prison sentence in January 2016, he falsely reported that his Mercedes Benz was stolen and destroyed. Perna filed an insurance claim for the destruction of the Mercedes Benz in order for the balance due on the Mercedes Benz. However, Perna had staged the vehicle theft and arson with other members of the Lucchese Crime Family.
The charge against Manzo for allegedly falsifying and concealing records related to the federal investigation of the July 2015 assault relates to federal grand jury subpoenas that were sent to the Brownstone Restaurant seeking documents related to the August 2015 Perna wedding reception.
Manzo failed to turn over relevant documents in response to those subpoenas and deliberately submitted a false document regarding the reception to the government, along with a false certification. In November 2019, agents with the FBI executed a search warrant at the Brownstone Restaurant and seized invoices for the August 2015 Perna wedding reception and other relevant documents that were not previously turned over.
The violent crime in aid of racketeering activity count against both defendants carries a maximum potential penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The conspiracy to commit the violent crime in aid of racketeering activity count against both defendants carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud count against Perna carries a maximum potential penalty of twenty years of in prison and a $250,000 fine. The falsifying and concealing records related to a federal investigation count against Manzo carries a maximum potential penalty of twenty years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Joe Denahan in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges and arrest.
The government is represented by Senior Litigation Counsel V. Grady O’Malley and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark.
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, and Senator Anthony Bucco joined Rev. Sidney Williams of Table of Hope, CCM President Tony Iacono, local officials, and volunteers held a free mobile food distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM).
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy
Assisting residents during this time of crisis, the food distribution consisted of canned goods, meat, dairy, vegetables, and other groceries.
Volunteers included Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, a CCM graduate, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Alstede Farms, Valley Bank, and approximately 40 volunteers, including numerous CCM employees.
The Morris County Council of Education Associations also contributed $5,000 to purchase food for the event.
If you were unable to pick up food, there are resources available. Table of Hope receives food from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, local farms, and foodservice companies. To volunteer or make a donation, visit the Spring Street CDC website by clicking here.
Volunteers loading vehicles with bags of foodVolunteer unloading the food to be distributedVolunteers sorting the produce to be distributed
MORRIS COUNTY — If you are in need of food during difficult times, use this list of available food services to get the resources you need. Making sure our neighbors in need have food and resources are and always will be our first priority. In light of recent circumstances, we will be taking certain measures to protect them.
Anikait Sota donates to Parsippany Food Pantry. Pictured with Anikait is Michele Picone, Director of Human Services
PARSIPPANY — Anikait Sota, a current sixth-grade student at Central Middle School, along with his mom donated $850.00 to the Parsippany Food Pantry. Anikait held online Rubik’s Cube classes, while his mom taught dance lessons.
Together, they pooled their earnings and donated to the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Michael Mancuso, NJ.com)
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced that a planned restart of indoor dining at New Jersey restaurants has been postponed due to evidence showing a lack of health precautions at restaurants that have reopened in other states and a slight spike in COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.
He said the restart of indoor dining would occur at a ”later date to be determined.” Check the Twitter thread by clicking here.
COVID-19: Governor Announces Indefinite Delay on Resumption of Indoor Dining “We had planned to loosen restrictions this week. However, after COVID-19 spikes in other states driven in part by the return of indoor dining, we have decided to postpone indoor dining indefinitely,” the Governor said at his daily briefing.
“We do not believe it is prudent at this time to push forward with, what is in effect, a sedentary indoor activity, especially when we know this virus moves differently indoors that out, making the virus even more deadly.”
Governor Murphy stressed that New Jersey has taken a cautious approach through every step of our restart. He said the state’s position has been that “we would not hesitate to hit pause if needed to safeguard public health. This is one of those times.”
He said the state also has moved to pause on the resumption of indoor dining because of overcrowding that has been observed in some establishments across the state, plus a disregard for social distancing and use of face coverings.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Benji! The sweetest dog on the block! This 12-year-old Sheltie mix loves to give you and all the dogs on his walks a kiss. He’s a real ladies man 🙂
Benji is a special needs pup who needs a home experienced with the medical care of dogs. Benji needs to be on a couple of medications for his intestines and particular dog food for the rest of his life. Once he has completed some more B12 treatments in the rescue, we are hoping he can have the dental he really needs. Benji takes his pills like a champ–just mix them in with his food and he’ll very happily scoff them down.
Benji is good with other dogs, but can only live with a female dog as he gets over-excited with males and may try to hump. You’ll often hear him being complimented on how chill he is, and he has nothing but love for everyone he meets. We think he’d do well in a home with another dog to keep him company. He can also live with children 13+.
Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This month Benji has learned to sit, paw, beg, lie down, rollover, and wait! He’s eager to please, walks very well on a leash, and listens well. He’s the best fluff ever!
Benji enjoys short walks, is great in car rides, and is happy to find a spot to lie down and chill wherever you take him. Benji loves his doggy bed and spends most of his days lying in it. He is definitely a more laidback dog who would love a quiet, relaxed home.
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
If you’re interested in helping a senior live out the best of his days, apply to adopt Benji today!
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Division Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) has delayed its June 29 reopening of agencies for in-person transactions for another week. Road testing, however, will resume at licensing centers, and inspections stations will be fully operational on Monday, June 29. Vehicle Centers and Licensing Centers will open to the public Tuesday, July 7.
MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton explained that the one-week delay is needed to perform final testing of its new text notification system, which is intended to reduce the number of people waiting at agencies while their transactions are being processed.
“We intended to rely on our new text notification system to check people in, then allow them to leave the building and go elsewhere. Unfortunately, this new system requires further testing, so we will not be able to open as fully as we anticipated on June 29,” Fulton said in a statement. “Without the text notification system, the number of people waiting for transactions who will need to be on-site will far exceed capacity limitations. We have said that the health and safety of our customers and employees is our first priority; therefore, we cannot put people in this situation.”
While road testing will be conducted on June 29, those who successfully complete the test will have to wait to get their new licenses until July 7 — when they will be given access to “Road Test” express lanes at every licensing center, Fulton said.
In addition, during July, agencies will be closed on Monday to allow for “health and safety assessments” of its facilities as they continue to expand their services, she said.
Starting July 7, designated “licensing centers”will be processing new licenses and permits, out-of-state transfers, and Real ID for those whose appointments were canceled.
Starting July 7, designated “vehicle centers” will be adding individual registration and title transactions.
Click here for a list of the 23 licensing centers and 16 vehicle centers, including the types of transactions handled at each type of facility.
Most licenses, IDs, registrations and other documents scheduled to expire between March 13 and July 6 have been extended to July 31 or later. Transactions that can be done online will not be available in person until further notice.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany residents were among the 506 graduates awarded degrees at Centenary University’s 145th Commencement by President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D. Held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was held on May 9, the day originally set aside to honor the Class of 2020. Reflecting on the ongoing pandemic, the theme of the event was Super Salutem Servetis (Safety Before Tradition).
Residents who earned their degrees during the ceremony are:
Parsippany—Damaris Millheim, Master of Arts, Special Education with Certification; Thomas Goetschkes, Bachelor of Arts, Individualized Studies; Kaitlin Wendt, Bachelor of Social Work
Centenary University was founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.
Nate Miller, of Morris Plains, a player on the Titans Baseball Team at County College of Morris, received 1st Team All-NJCAA Academic Honors for his academic success as a student athlete.
MORRIS COUNTY — It was another banner year for the student-athletes at County College of Morris (CCM) with more than 30 receiving All-Region XIX and All-Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) or National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Honors for their performance on and off the field during Academic Year 2019-20.
Nathan Miller, Morris Plains, Baseball, received 1st Team All-NJCAA Academic Honors for obtaining a 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
Alyssa Borozan, Budd Lake, a player on the Titans Softball Team at County College of Morris, received 2nd Team and 3rd Team All-NJCAA Academic Honors for her academic success as a student-athlete
Receiving 2nd Team All-NJCAA Academic Honors for a minimum GPA of 3.8 were Alyssa Borozan, Budd Lake, Softball: Tyler Bauer, Succasunna, Volleyball; Gretchen Ruoff, Succasunna, Volleyball; Rachel Roberts, Succasunna, Volleyball; Lindsey Wall, Pequannock, Softball; Nicholas Civetta, Randolph, Golf; Niya Tartaglia, Belvidere, Soccer; Frances McCormick, Boonton, Basketball; Shannon Wall, Pequannock, Softball; Ciara Lyons, Sparta, Softball; Alivia Duran, Hackettstown, Softball.
Receiving 3rd Team All-NJCAA Academic Honors for maintaining a minimum 3.6 GPA were Daniel Herrera-Lasso, Dover, Soccer; Payton Jean, Phillipsburg, Soccer; Luke Foth, Oak Ridge, Baseball; Catalina Garcia, Hopatcong, Soccer; Jason Harris, Flanders, Baseball.
The following students received All-Region XIX Honors for maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA and All-Garden State Athletic Conference Honors for maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Also presented with All-Garden State Athletic Conference Honors for maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 were Kyle Stroessenreuther, Vienna, Baseball; Samuel Armstrong, Sussex, Baseball; Nolan Leger, Bridgewater, Baseball; Collin Leahey, Blairstown, Soccer; Kathleen Rawding, Morris Plains, Soccer; Brielle Fedo, Lake Hopatcong, Basketball; Alexander Russo, Rockaway, Baseball; Brian Hill, Glenwood, Golf.
The GSAC provides academic and athletic opportunities to students pursuing higher education at two-year community colleges. The NJCAA’s mission is to promote and foster two-year college athletics.
More information about CCM’s athletic programs click here.
Recently, there have been a lot of discussions about the movement to attack the reputation and historical importance of Christopher Columbus. Turbulent events in our nation have led to many emotions that have impacted cities and towns throughout New Jersey. While we work to understand and examine the historical conditions that have shaped our nation, it is important to look at all perspectives.
The image of Christopher Columbus is a source of great pride for Italian Americans. When looking at monuments and statues depicting Christopher Columbus, many Italian Americans are reminded of the accomplishments of other famous Italian Americans such as Sgt. John Basillone, a war hero; Lt. Joseph Petrocelli, a tough NYPD crime-fighter; or Joe DiMaggio, a beloved baseball legend.
Columbus statues are symbols of the many Italian American accomplishments in our great state. They serve as symbols of pride for the more than 1.5 million Italian American New Jerseyeans. And they are reminders of our legacy for future generations.
The vandalism and defacement of Columbus statues are culturally insensitive and divisive to Italian Americans. We view those acts of vandalism as offensive, as would any other enough group in a similar situation.
As the leader of the more than 4,000 members of the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, I urge local leaders to remember the importance of Christopher Columbus Monuments. We demand the elected leadership of our state to respect the accomplishments and pride that the Italian American community has with its legacy in America. At a time when our Nation needs to come together, the attack on monuments to Italian heritage only fans the flames of anger and division. Italian Americans feel very strongly about this attack on our culture and history. Let’s move forward together as Americans proud of both our common heritage and ancestry and culture.
William Schievella, President Italian American Police Society of New Jersey
MORRIS COUNTY — The Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship (WCEC) is holding regular listening sessions for small business owners. They often speak with government officials and other community stakeholders. It is their goal to better represent New Jersey small businesses when out in the community.
These sessions also help us to keep a pulse on the local business community in order to provide more relevant workshops and webinars. The next session will be held on July 1, 2020, at 11:00 a.m.
If you want to be involved, please register here and join us by Zoom.
The Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship is a 501c3 nonprofit. Their mission is to help women start and grow their own businesses.
Sal’s Haircutting, 114 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha
PARSIPPANY — Sal’s Haircutting, 114 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha, has re-opened for business.
They are following all protocol procedures, having customers wait outside 6 feet apart, mask mandatory to enter, and while getting a haircut, the barber’s are wearing face shields and gloves.
Sal’s also sanitizing every station, barber chairs, and barber tools after every use.
They have been in business in Lake Hiawatha since 1972 and are a family-owned and operated small business.
PARSIPPANY — Classes 4 A Cause – CAC team delivered food to the Parsippany Food Pantry.
Classes 4 A Cause – C4C is an initiative of Purple Paint offering online classes for children. While children are getting bored at home, it is a great opportunity to learn a few new skills or maybe polish what they already know.
They offer courses that help children stay fit while they “stay-at-home” such as Dance and Taekwondo, 100% proceeds from these classes go to help our community impacted by COVID-19.
Members of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, East Hanover Italian American Club, Unico stand in front of the Christopher Columbus Statue at Parsippany Municipal Building
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Christopher Columbus Statue Teach-In Demonstration went as scheduled on Friday afternoon at the Parsippany Municipal Building.
A group of approximately 30 demonstrators sat peacefully on the lawn at Parsippany Municipal Building
It was a peaceful demonstration as anticipated. About 30 demonstrators attended and listened to about a half dozen as they read their narratives as to why the statue should be removed. The organizers maintained their dignity throughout.
There were over 125 counter-demonstrators, comprised of members of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, East Hanover Italian American Club, Unico, and concerned citizens of Parsippany and surrounding communities, came together in a show of unity to send a clear and strong message of support for retaining this very important symbol of the Italian heritage. Also among the crowd was Former Mayor Frank Priore, Former Mayor James Barberio, Former Council President Dr. Louis Valori, Retired Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Michael Filippello, and Gabriel Pellaggi, with his father, Biagio, who created the monument. The monument was unveiled on October 12, 1992
Protest For and Against Bust of Christopher Columbus at Parsippany Municipal Building
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Adam Gragnani, a member of Sons of Italy, carrying a Christopher Columbus sign
Parsippany Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard
Knight of Columbus
Sons of Italy President Lou Amato, Bob Asaro and Patrick Minutillo
Members of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, East Hanover Italian American Club, Unico stand in front of the Christopher Columbus Statue at Parsippany Municipal Building
Eric Cohen debates with a member opposing the Columbus monument. Citizens staged a demonstration at Parsippany Municipal Building in support of a protecting a bust of Christopher Columbus that stands facing Route 46
An opposition group listens to speeches condemning Columbus
A group of approximately 30 protestors held a Teach-In demonstration at Parsippany Municipal Building
Defend The Police
Citizens staged a demonstration on Route 46 in support of a protecting a bust of Christopher Columbus that stands outside the Parsippany Municipal Building
Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2350
Citizens staged a demonstration on Route 46 in support of a protecting a bust of Christopher Columbus that stands outside the Parsippany Municipal Building
Mike Zambito and Joe Jannarone
Parsippany resident Isabella Alfano carrying an American Flag
Former Mayor James Barberio and Patrick Minutillo
Members of Sons of Italy, Knights of Columbus, East Hanover Italian American Club, Unico crossing Route 46 to in support of a protecting a bust of Christopher Columbus that stands outside the Parsippany municipal building
Citizens staged a demonstration on Route 46 in support of a protecting a bust of Christopher Columbus that stands outside the Parsippany Municipal Building
Jonathon Rhodes addresses the group of approximately 30 protestors.
Emily Cruz, a student at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, N.Y., and Parsippany resident started a petition to remove the Christopher Columbus Statue, which is located at Parsippany Municipal Building. The statue faces Route 46. As of Saturday morning, June 27, 1,743 people signed the petition.
Parsippany Resident, Robert Quinn, a graduate of Parsippany High School has started a petition to KEEP the Christopher Columbus Statue. As of Saturday morning, June 27, 2,729 people signed the petition.
“Due to BLM and other minority movements making way across the country, I felt that now was as good of a time as any to make a petition to remove the Columbus statue in Parsippany. We should not, in any way, celebrate or recognize his slaughter and enslavement of indigenous people. This is not someone that our town should be honoring with a statue,” said Cruz on change.org.
Sons of Italy of Morris County Chapter 2561 President Louis Amato, xx, and Patrick Minutillo standing in front of the Christopher Columbus Statue on Route 46 at Parsippany’s Municipal Building.
Parsippany resident Patrick Minutillo said “Our police department did a fantastic job of managing the event, traffic control, and crowd control, and there were no problems throughout. Great job PTHPD! A few friendly disagreements and that was it. It was great to see such a large, patriotic, enthusiastic, and energized crowd offering their time and support on behalf of this important issue.”
Council President Michael dePierro stated “Parsippany UNICO was an active Italian-American organization in Parsippany during the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. One of our many projects was to erect a statue of Christopher Columbus. The UNICO members viewed the explorer positively and with pride. Columbus’ voyage made the old and new worlds aware of each other for the first time, eventually leading to the new countries in the western hemisphere. Driven in large part by political correctness, activists and wannabe activists have challenged most of our history and those who were a part of that history. The wannabe critics of Christopher Columbus rely upon a warped and inaccurate rendition of Columbus. Their misguided effort has recently focused on removing Parsippany’s Statue.”
“When is it appropriate to purge statues and monuments that some people find offensive? Should every tribute to someone who was flawed be destroyed? Christopher Columbus was a man with many flaws … granted. But his journey changed the trajectory of our world. In any case, the Sons of Italy from many lodges; the Knights of Columbus; and many concerned citizens (some not even of Italian descent), got together today to tell the wannabes to leave our statue alone,” he continued.
Senator Joseph Pennachio said, “Our nation is facing an extremely difficult period and efforts are being made across the board to ensure we come out of this stronger, more unified, and more inclusive of people of all ages, colors, and origins. Instead of trying to erase and re-write history, we should focus on challenging ourselves to create a better history for ourselves and our future generations.”
“For better or worse, the past is permanent. It is our future that is a blank canvas that will be crafted through the shared vision of varied interests contributing common goals, priorities, and dreams. Recently a statue of Abraham Lincoln was defaced in Massachusetts. In England, a statue of Winston Churchill was damaged. In Washington D.C., a monument to the all-Black 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment was defaced. To add to these misguided attempts of historical revision is just wrong,” Pennachio continued.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced Friday that a statue of Christopher Columbus was removed Thursday night from Washington Park and that it will be kept in storage until the city decides what to do with it.
There will be a similar protest on Tuesday, June 30 at 4:30 p.m. at the Christopher Columbus monument in East Hanover.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet today announced the release of “The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education” to assist schools with reopening in the fall. The guidance announces that, absent a change in public health data, public schools will open for in-person instruction and operations in some capacity at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
The guidance envisions schools operating within necessary standards to protect the health and safety of students and staff. The guidance includes minimum standards such as following certain social distancing practices in classrooms and face-covering measures for students and staff. The guidance also provides recommendations to assist districts in achieving these standards, such as implementing hybrid learning environments in which students receive both in-person and remote instruction.
Each district will be expected to develop, in collaboration with community stakeholders, a plan to reopen schools in the fall that best fits the district’s local needs. The guidance provides anticipated minimum standards regarding health and safety that districts should use as they plan for reopening. The guidance also provides additional considerations that may help districts as they develop their plans.
“This has been an unprecedented time for our students and educators, but we are pleased to announce that we anticipate the return to our classrooms in some capacity this fall,” said Governor Murphy. “The return to school will pose challenges, but we are confident that New Jersey’s school districts can move forward in a way that best serves the needs of their district while also achieving a safe environment for students and staff.”
“I understand this will be no easy feat,” Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet said of the return to school. “Knowing that the health of students and staff is our number one concern, our guide will begin to fill in the picture of what a safe education system will look like in the fall.”
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 104 ordered all New Jersey schools to close starting March 18, 2020, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. After the Department worked with school districts to ensure stability through remote instruction, food security for children where needed, and equity in education for students, the focus immediately turned toward planning for reopening.
The guidance relies upon the most up-to-date data and recommendations from the New Jersey Department of Health and was informed by input from school communities. The Department has been engaged in regular contact with educators and stakeholders and has conducted daily site visits, weekly stakeholder meetings, and discussions with a standing committee of nearly two dozen superintendents. Beyond this ongoing engagement, the NJDOE convened approximately 50 education and community organizations, met with over 300 superintendents, and surveyed nearly 300,000 parents/guardians to inform the development of the reopening plan.
“New Jersey educators and families did an amazing job over the past three months implementing remote learning, even with relatively little time for planning. That effort was nothing short of heroic,” said Commissioner Repollet. “However, too many parents feel that remote-only instruction isn’t working for their child, and too many children are falling behind. It is becoming abundantly clear that children need to return to a school environment in some capacity, and we need to do so safely. This is a matter of educational growth, and it’s a matter of equity.”
The guidance focuses on four key functional areas: conditions for learning, leadership and planning, policy and funding, and continuity of learning.
The guidance sets the minimum standards for returning to school and serves as a toolkit for schools to use as they develop their recovery plans – recognizing that flexibility is needed as each school will have unique needs and circumstances, and some efforts will need to be guided by local health officials. The guidance describes several health and safety standards to be prioritized in school reopening:
Social distancing: Schools and districts must allow for social distancing within the classroom. This can be achieved by ensuring students are seated at least six feet apart. If schools are not able to maintain this physical distance, additional modifications should be considered. These include physical barriers between desks and turning desks to face the same direction (rather than facing each other)or having students sit on only one side of a table and spaced apart.
Face coverings: School staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings unless doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or the individual is under two years of age. Students are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and are required to do so when social distancing cannot be maintained unless doing so would inhibit the student’s health. It is necessary to acknowledge that enforcing the use of face coverings may be impractical for young children or certain individuals with disabilities.
Limited capacity: It is recommended that students and staff be seated at least six feet apart in class when practicable. When the weather allows, windows should be opened to allow for greater air circulation.
Cleaning/disinfecting: Procedures must be implemented by each school district for the sanitization of school buildings and school buses. Increased handwashing measures are also important for students and staff.
These provisions are informed by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, which call for protecting staff and students who are at higher risk for severe illness, such as providing options for telework and virtual learning; providing reasonable accommodations for older adults (65 years and older) and individuals with serious underlying medical conditions; and, when possible, keeping early childhood students apart during naptime and avoiding close-group activities like reading circles.
Other provisions in the guidance include:
Cafeteria directors should consider staggering meal times to allow for social distancing; discontinuing self-serve or buffet lines; having students eat meals outside or in their classrooms, and requiring staff to disinfect eating areas between groups.
Recess should also be held in staggered shifts, with efforts to promote social distancing and hygiene protocols.
Cohorting: Schools may wish to identify small groups of students and keep them together (cohorting) to ensure that student and staff groupings are as static as possible, thereby limiting exposure to large groups of students.
School bus operators should encourage social distancing. CDC guidelines recommend seating on a school bus such that there is one student seated per row, skipping a row between each child, if possible. Barriers separating rows of bus seats may also be considered. If social distancing is not feasible, face coverings must be worn by students who are able to do so. Increased ventilation (i.e. opening windows) is also recommended in the guidelines.
Because reopening is dependent upon health data and informed by experts in the health field, districts will need to be prepared to pivot to remote instruction at any time during the 2020-2021 school year. The guidance stresses that each school district should be working to ensure every student has a device and internet connectivity available, and it identifies funding streams available to school districts to ensure students have access to technology.
Districts should strive to share preliminary scheduling plans with staff, families, and students at least four weeks before the start of the school year in order to allow families to plan child care and work arrangements.
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Dear Editor:
