Parsippany-Troy Hills Police investigating a death on Old Bloomfield Avenue
PARSIPPANY — Two Parsippany men pleaded guilty Wednesday for their roles in the death of a roommate last year and their attempt to evade arrest by fleeing to California.
Rogelio Laureano-Gonzalez, 26, could serve five years in prison for manslaughter after striking Jaime Lopez-Basilio, a 27-year-old Mexican immigrant, in the head during a drunken argument inside their Old Bloomfield Avenue home on September 9, according to Daily Record.
A third roommate, Cirilo Rojas-Paulino, 26, faces a 364-day sentence in Morris County Correctional Facility for helping Laureano-Gonzalez flee to California to avoid police apprehension.
On September 9, 2019, law enforcement received information regarding a deceased male inside a home in the area of Old Bloomfield Road. The manner of death was determined to be Homicide. The deceased male has been identified as Jaime Lopez-Basilio.
Morris County Crime Scene Investigation on Old Bloomfield Avenue on September 9
Two residents of the home, Rogelio Laureano-Gonzalez and Cirilo Rojas-Paulino, could not be immediately located during the death investigation. A subsequent investigation by law enforcement led to the apprehension of both individuals in California. It is alleged that Laureano-Gonzalez struck Lopez-Basilio in the head causing Lopez-Basilio’s death. It is further alleged that Laureano-Gonzalez and Rojas-Paulino fled New Jersey following the death to avoid investigation, apprehension, or prosecution related to Lopez-Basilio’s death.
Prosecutor Knapp acknowledges the efforts of the Oxnard (California) Police Department, the Kern County (California) Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
PARSIPPANY — Nearly 3,000 protesters marched, shouted, and danced peacefully with #BlackLivesMatter signage. The protesters assembled at Parsippany High School and marched down Vail Road, crossed Route 46, and continued into Veterans Park on Tuesday, June 2. Attending the march was a diverse group of people. Young, old, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, everyone was there to support the brothers and sisters of color.
Parsippany residents and organizers Mitchell Petit-Frere, Jabari Jackson, and Maurice Matthias said it was the first time they had ever planned a protest.
Veterans Park was packed with nearly 3,000 protesters who marched, shouted, and danced peacefully
Chief of Police Andrew Miller stated “In my 28 years as a Parsippany Police Officer, never have we experienced such serious times requiring immediate, numerous and sensitive leadership decisions. Always in the interest of protecting our community, proper decisions sometimes become incredibly difficult, to the point of almost impossible, when competing interests are present, as they’ve recently been. With little more than 24 hours to establish a safe plan, with limited information, to facilitate “The Parsippany March for Black Lives” rally, which we correctly anticipated could exponentially expand to the large number of participants it did, the decisions made were ultimately and fortunately correct. Despite some reasonable and expected confusion with competing decisions, it’s critically important for the community of Parsippany to be aware of how ultimately the proper and legal decisions were made, which resulted in a 100% successful, safe, and educational event. Starting with continuous high-level law enforcement intelligence research, communication, and guidance; tens of hours of non-stop phone and conference calls from early morning until almost midnight; I speak confidentially to say we all, the leaders in the community where your tax dollars go, (PD, PTH Admin., BOE) worked exceptionally hard and well together to arrive where we did…in mutual agreement that the ultimate decision made was proper and safe for you. I’d also like to thank the organizers of the event who remained committed to helping us keep it safe, peaceful, and clean. To the residents of Parsippany…Thank you for your consideration and understanding while we all continue to serve you in the most effective and efficient way possible.”
The protesters assembling at Parsippany High School with their signs
Chants of “Black Lives Matter!” “Say his name, George Floyd!” was heard repeatedly through the march.
Portions of Route 46 were shut down completely in both directions while the protest march was in progress.
Speakers took the podium to speak, preach, pray, and sing raising awareness on the police brutality and the recent death of George Floyd.
A Parsippany High School student read her school essay on racism. She talked about the moments of racism she experienced as a Muslim woman and about the killings of young black men. Those in the crowd teared up as they clapped for each speaker. By the end of the evening, protesters were encouraged to “keep the momentum going” and continue their education on racial injustices and police reforms.
One of the organizers, Jabari Jackson said “Yesterday was a historic moment in our community and more importantly for our young people. I heard your voices yesterday but I challenge all of you to continue to push the fight for social justice everywhere. Continue to hold yourselves and the people around you accountable so that our young people understand that LOVE the right choice and the ONLY choice. I appreciate everyone from the volunteers, to the supporters, to the speakers. Everyone played a huge role in assuring this event was peaceful and beneficial for all 3000 who attended! STRONGER TOGETHER!!”
George Floyd, 46, died Memorial Day after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Minneapolis Police Department Officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on his neck for several minutes while three other officers watched. Video footage of the arrest, in which Floyd is heard saying “I can’t breathe,” spread widely online, and all four officers were fired. The three former Minneapolis police officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd were criminally charged Wednesday. Additionally, the previously-filed murder charge against former officer Derek Chauvin was elevated from third-degree murder to second-degree. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao were each charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. All four officers were terminated the day after Floyd’s death.
Peaceful Protest at Veterans Park
1 of 20
Protester Jacelyn Perez displaying her sign
Joshua Embden from Queens and Arielle Devalle from Kenvil displaying their signs at Parsippany High School before the March began
"I Can't Breath" #BLM
Raritan resident Casi Magazino joining the Black Lives Matter March on Tuesday, June 2
Protesters arriving at Parsippany High School
"Clown Lives Matter"
Montville Resident Julia Arminio and Max Appleblat from Denville
Protesters preparing to March
Protesters preparing to March
Black Lives Matter
Protesters at Veterans Park kneeling
Almost 3,000 protesters at Veterans Park
Justice for George Floyd
Two Parsippany Police Officers kneeling during the demonstration
RIP George Floyd
"Wind of Spirit"
Veterans Park
Almost 3,000 protesters at Veterans Park
Black Lives Matter
Almost 3,000 protesters at Veterans Park
Parsippany Resident Mitchell Petit-Frere is one of the organizers
Brent Ragans is now responsible for Ferring US commercial, manufacturing and development operations
PARSIPPANY — Ferring Pharmaceuticals (US) announced that Brent Ragans has been appointed as President. In this role, Mr. Ragans oversees the commercial, manufacturing, and development operations of the global Ferring Pharmaceuticals Group in the United States. Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is located at 100 Interpace Parkway
“Ferring is entering a new phase in which it will expand its leadership in Reproductive Medicine and Maternal Health, Orthopaedics, and Gastroenterology,” said Mr. Ragans. “Among the highlights, we look forward to seeking regulatory approval for what may become the world’s first approved microbiome-based therapy.”
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Brent Ragans has more than 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical business. He joined Ferring Pharmaceuticals (US) as vice president of commercial operations in 2012 and was named chief commercial officer in 2016. Prior to Ferring, he led North American consumer healthcare strategy and corporate development for Sanofi. Earlier during 12 years at Sanofi, he managed major business units, including general therapeutics, specialty markets, and cardiovascular, and led teams of more than 2500 representatives.
As the President of Ferring US, Mr. Ragans reports to Aaron Graff, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Member of the Executive Committee, and Executive Chairman of Ferring Holding Inc. (US). Mr. Ragans succeeds Paul Navarre, who is leaving the company.
“Brent has been one of the key architects of our US business since joining Ferring eight years ago,” said Aaron Graff, Global Chief Commercial Officer, Member of the Executive Committee, and Executive Chairman of Ferring Holding Inc. (US). His track record of success, broad background, and deep knowledge of Ferring positions him well to lead the company into its next successful chapter.“His track record of success, broad background, and deep knowledge of Ferring positions him well to lead the company into its next successful chapter.”
About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Ferring Pharmaceuticals is a research-driven, specialty biopharmaceutical group committed to helping people around the world build families and live better lives. In the United States, Ferring is a leader in reproductive medicine and maternal health, and in specialty areas within gastroenterology and orthopedics.
Bonnie Tully has been named President of Evonik Corporation, effective June 1
PARSIPPANY — Bonnie Tully has been named President of Evonik Corporation, effective June 1. As president of Evonik Corporation, Tully is responsible for the North America region, which recorded sales of $3 billion in fiscal 2019. Evonik Corporation is located at 299 Jefferson Road.
Tully replaces John Rolando, who is retiring after 33 years with Evonik and its predecessor companies. Prior to becoming president, Bonnie was Chief Financial Officer of the North America region.
“Bonnie Tully‘s leadership skills and broad experience within the organization make her the right person to head the North American region as we continue to position Evonik as a world-leading specialty chemical company driven by innovation and sustainability,“ said Ute Wolf, Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG who is responsible for North America. “I also want to thank John Rolando for his efforts in leading the region through tremendous growth and helping transform Evonik‘s portfolio and culture into the best-in-class organization we know today.“
Tully began her career with Rohm & Haas as a project engineer in 1996. Between 1998 and 2006 she worked as a materials manager and technical manager at Evonik Oil Additives (Rohmax) in Houston, Texas. She subsequently transferred to Singapore to work as a plant manager for Oil Additives supporting the Asia-Pacific region. In 2011, Tully became the head of Site Service in Mobile, Ala., Evonik’s largest site in North America, with more than 800 employees.
Tully holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association Philanthropic Fund (MCREAP) will proudly award twelve $2,000. scholarships to Morris County students who are pursuing a career in education.
First-year recipients of this award include Arianna Granda, Morris Knolls High School; Anna Marina Accumanno, Hanover Park High School; Caroline Berardo, Parsippany Hills High School; Nicole Kahwaty, Morris County School of Technology who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by Visions Federal Credit Union; Ashleigh Paige Muth, Hanover Park High School who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by the Estate of Ann Korinda; McKenzie Shea Lynch, Mt. Olive High School who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded in the memory of Tina Antalek and finally Katie Elizabeth Berger, Boonton High School who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by the Executive Board of Morris County Retirees Education Association.
Second-year recipients include undergraduate Anna Lenger of Kutztown University (Chatham High School); Arianna Lee of The College of New Jersey (Morris Knolls High School); Courtney Graf of Shippensburg University (Roxbury High School); Savannah Jenks of St. Joseph’s University (Chatham High School) who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by Visions Federal Credit Union and finally Avianna Miller of Drew University who received her MCREAP Scholarship funded by the Estate of Ann Korinda.
We wish these deserving young people well as they prepare to enter the moat rewarding and challenging profession.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, Detective Luis Goncalves, and Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker presented a commendation to Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Luis Goncalves for intervening while off-duty, saving the life of a woman.
Detective Goncalves was traveling on Route 3 in Lyndhurst on May 20, returning from an investigation.
Detective Goncalves observed a female sitting on the edge of a high bridge with her feet dangling off the bridge. Fearing she was attempting to commit suicide, Detective Goncalves contacted the Lyndhurst Police to report his observation.
Detective Goncalves identified himself as a detective with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and told the dispatcher that he would standby and render further assistance. The female got off the ledge and attempted to walk towards the busy highway.
She was stopped from entering the highway, and Detective Goncalves assisted with the translation of the Spanish language. He detected that she had slurred speech and was incoherent.
Upon a search of the woman, a controlled dangerous substance was retrieved and she was secured by Lyndhurst Police officers for further investigation.
Prosecutor Knapp said “The heroic lifesaving actions of Detective Goncalves while off-duty undoubtedly prevented a tragedy from occurring. He and all of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office detectives are unreservedly dedicated to protecting and preserving the safety of our residents. I am very proud to recognize Detective Goncalves for his service under very adverse circumstances.”
PARSIPPANY — We can’t have a graduation or a party, but we can show the seniors our love…right from our own homes!!!
This is happening on graduation day, Thursday, June 18. Parsippany High School graduates in the morning and Parsippany Hills High School graduates at 6:00 p.m. From 5:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., let’s clap like crazy, blow those horns, shake that cowbell.
Make some serious noise to say congratulations to the Class of 2020!
PARSIPPANY — As the growth rate of COVID-19 cases continues to slow, I am happy to see that Phase 2 of New Jersey’s reopening plan will be coming into effect on June 15. Over the coming weeks, we expect more municipal services to open up to the public, just as the recycling yard did earlier this week.
TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 150, permitting outdoor dining starting on Monday, June 15, with an accompanying Executive Directive from the New Jersey Department of Health that lays out health and safety standards that food or beverage establishments are required to follow. In addition, the Governor announced a special ruling by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control creating a pathway for liquor license holders to expand the premises on which they may serve alcohol.
“Restaurants and bars throughout New Jersey have been immensely cooperative with necessary public health measures that were placed upon them while battling the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Allowing outdoor dining and the expansion of alcohol-serving areas will allow restaurants and bars to begin welcoming customers back while continuing to comply with necessary social distancing guidance.”
Executive Order No. 150 allows outdoor dining at food or beverage establishments in New Jersey starting on Monday, June 15. Establishments will be required to follow a number of COVID-19 health and safety protocols issued by the Department of Health, including a limit of eight customers per table, and requirements of at least six feet of distance between parties. In addition, for as long as indoor dining is not permitted, food or beverage establishments are required to prohibit smoking in any outdoor areas designated for the consumption of food and/or beverages.
The Order further notes that municipalities are permitted to use their existing authority to allow food or beverage establishments to expand their footprint to outdoor areas, both within their property and among municipally-governed areas, including but not limited to sidewalks, streets, or parks.
Additionally, a special ruling by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will temporarily permit establishments with liquor licenses to expand their licensed premises into outdoor areas that are either contiguous or non-contiguous to their permanently licensed premises. Establishments may apply through the POSSE ABC Online Licensing system, and if approved will be issued a temporary permit effective on June 15th that will run until November 14, 2020. ABC will not take action on any application until it receives an endorsement or approval by the appropriate governing body officials, and it is the responsibility of the licensee to comply with local ordinances and site plan requirements.
PARSIPPANY — The communication that came out yesterday regarding the Board of Education’s decision to not allow usage of Parsippany High School parking lots for tonight’s rally was based solely on current laws and policies in place within the District.
The organizers of the rally had not contacted nor coordinated with the Board of Education.
With that said, we have advised the Police Department that the lots will not be cordoned off and will be available to our law enforcement agencies as necessary and as they see fit.
The Board of Education supports our entire community, and we always want to see and work towards a better way forward. While the rally tonight is not a Board of Education organized event, the Board appreciates and supports everyone’s’ right to respectfully express their opinions on the current issues facing many of our community members.
PARSIPPANY — Both of our volunteer EMS squads rely on fundraising from members of the public to ensure the best training and equipment possible. That’s why they’re able to provide Parsippany residents with such a high quality of service, even during the most trying times. You can donate to our Volunteer EMS squads through the information provided below:
Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Inc. 9 Dunnerdale Road
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Tax ID 22-2409171 Click here to donate.
Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad
PO Box 41
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
Tax ID 22-6088546 Click here to donate
My name is Olivia Johnson and I am a senior at Parsippany High School. I am writing to you in regards to the BOE’s refusal to allow the peaceful Black Lives Matter protest to start on Parsippany High School’s grounds. As a black student here in the district, I can tell you first hand that you and all of the schools I have been through in this district have done very little for your black students.
There has habitually been little to no support for your black students whether it be during Black History Month, during traumatic tragedies such as the brutal murder of George Floyd, or outright and blatant racism by the student body. I am writing to tell you that we are tired of seeing little to no allyship on behalf of the BOE.
People are simply asking to gather on school grounds because it is a central location in Parsippany. No one is going to damage property or incite violence. What about protesting police brutality and speaking up for the Black Lives Matter movement is inherently violent and riot-inducing to you? There are plenty of peaceful protests all throughout the country, especially in New Jersey, that has been going on for the past few days.
The people of Parsippany and neighboring towns are seeking to exercise their freedom to assemble and freedom to speak up for what they believe. Your choice to prohibit us from using Parsippany High School as the starting point for a powerful and meaningful demonstration, especially to your black student body, is very telling of where your interests and care reside. Please reconsider this decision.
The Chief of Police for Parsippany, Andrew Miller, has issued the following statement in regards to tonight’s march:
A message from Chief of Police Andrew Miller:
The organizer for the Parsippany March for Black Lives, who is a Parsippany resident, requested our support to facilitate a safe and peaceful rally so their message that police brutality, racism, and abuse of authority will not be tolerated could be heard. In support of their message, the Parsippany Police Department, along with assistance from the MCPO and MCSO, will ensure the safety for all while this peaceful event takes place this evening.
The Parsippany March for Black Lives which is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. tonight, a permit has been issued for the event.
PARSIPPANY — The County of Morris has identified the number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills at 747 individuals. It is also reported there are a total of 80 deaths in Parsippany-Troy Hills related to COVID-19.
Morris County has risen to 6,385 presumptively tested positive cases. A total of 616 deaths have been reported in Morris County. In New Jersey, a total of 160,918 presumptively tested positive cases with a total of 11,721 deaths.
Morris County COVID-19 Cases
Note: Case numbers are updated in the afternoons on Monday-Friday. For statewide numbers, visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard.
Cumulative COVID-19 Cases (as of 3:50 p.m., Monday, June 1)
Municipality
5/21
5/22
5/26
5/27
5/28
5/29
6/1
Town of Boonton
101
101
101
101
101
101
101
Township of Boonton
79
80
88
94
95
95
95
Borough of Butler
86
86
88
88
89
90
91
Borough of Chatham
54
55
55
55
55
54
57
Township of Chatham
115
117
122
122
125
127
128
Borough of Chester
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Township of Chester
43
43
43
43
43
43
43
Township of Denville
150
150
150
152
152
152
152
Town of Dover
643
645
660
660
660
661
662
Township of East Hanover
130
130
131
133
133
133
133
Borough of Florham Park
121
121
124
124
125
125
126
Township of Hanover
179
179
179
179
179
179
177
Township of Harding
24
24
24
24
24
24
24
Township of Jefferson
209
210
211
212
214
214
215
Borough of Kinnelon
69
69
69
69
69
69
69
Borough of Lincoln Park
319
320
333
334
337
339
341
Township of Long Hill
44
44
44
45
45
45
45
Borough of Madison
130
129
131
131
130
132
132
Borough of Mendham
66
66
66
66
65
65
66
Township of Mendham
38
38
38
39
39
39
39
Township of Mine Hill
60
61
61
61
62
62
66
Township of Montville
215
215
215
216
216
217
219
Borough of Morris Plains
56
57
57
59
59
56
56
Township of Morris
277
279
279
281
281
281
281
Town of Morristown
506
506
515
533
536
541
563
Borough of Mount Arlington
44
44
45
45
45
46
47
Township of Mount Olive
243
245
254
254
252
255
256
Borough of Mountain Lakes
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
Borough of Netcong
29
29
29
29
29
29
29
Township of Parsippany
716
719
721
741
744
746
747
Township of Pequannock
197
198
199
200
200
200
201
Township of Randolph
257
258
262
264
263
264
267
Borough of Riverdale
38
38
38
38
38
39
40
Borough of Rockaway
95
95
95
96
96
97
97
Township of Rockaway
238
238
237
237
239
239
239
Township of Roxbury
240
242
243
244
244
245
249
Borough of Victory Gardens
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
Township of Washington
111
111
113
115
115
117
119
Borough of Wharton
151
151
153
153
152
152
153
TOTALS
6132
6152
6232
6297
6311
6333
6385
The figures reflect COVID-19 positive cases as of the date and time indicated, some cases which may be pending, or have yet to be entered into the system.
Please note the following limitations and provisos related to the data above:
COVID-19-related deaths are not included in this data. Visit the State of NJ COVID-19 Dashboard for a summary of death totals.
Pursuant to HIPAA, specific identifying health information of persons testing positive or who have passed due to the virus will not be released.
Data reflects COVID-19 positive cases on dates and times indicated; some cases may be pending and are not yet entered.
Data may not include cases with incomplete or incorrect street addresses or PO boxes. Such cases require additional investigation by local health officials.
Figures do not include persons under quarantine/isolation due to exposure and who have not tested positive.
The numbers, especially higher numbers, do not necessarily reflect community spread in a specific town. Various factors may be related to high numbers, such as increased testing and facilities with high-risk populations.
This data should not be used to gauge if heightened precautions are needed in specific towns. Social distancing, hand hygiene, and preventive steps must be followed at all times regardless of the number of cases in a municipality.
Like so many across our country, I was shocked and horrified to witness the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in broad daylight last Monday. Mr. Floyd’s murder, the fact that so many let it proceed uninterrupted, and the days it took to arrest one of those responsible have reopened deep wounds throughout our country. Millions of our fellow citizens are in agony. How could this happen? When will it end? When will we learn?
I am a white American. I will never, no matter how much I empathize, know what it’s like to be black. To quote a friend of mine, and fellow Parsippany resident, “People who have never been black simply do not and cannot understand how traumatizing all of this is for a black person. Black people are terrified. And every day, we are assailed with videos and images of people who look like our fathers and uncles and brothers being murdered. We watch the life drain from their eyes. And it. Is. Traumatizing.”
Most people simply do not and never will understand what it’s like to be black in America. We never have and never will need to fear being casually asphyxiated by a police officer in broad daylight. Those of us who are not black need to acknowledge these complicated dynamics, and consider how our lives may be very different if we were.
Issues surrounding biases go well beyond direct interactions with law enforcement. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, “half of the white medical trainees believe such myths as black people have thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings than white people”. According to the NAACP, “African Americans are incarcerated at more than 5 times the rate of whites.” A recent Forbes article noted that “Black Home Buyers [Are] Denied Mortgages More Than Twice As Often As Whites”. These disparities exist empirically, in multiple fields, and directly in front of our eyes. But summoning the fortitude to make the changes protesters are seeking has, thus far, eluded us.
Where we can start is listening to, empathizing with, and supporting black Americans, not just in the midst of a tragedy like George Floyd’s murder, but in the months and years to come.
At the same time, we can still be supportive of our police officers. We cannot fall for the false narrative that you can only support one or the other, police officers, or black Americans. Adults must be capable of holding more than an “us vs. them” mentality in our heads. Dozens, hundreds, thousands of black Americans have fallen victim to abuses by police, up to and including losing their lives, over the course of centuries in this country. And we need reforms and accountability to end this injustice now, which is exactly what people are protesting and speaking out about. At the same time, police officers do an incredibly dangerous job that takes a serious toll on their bodies, mental health, and family lives. Police officers, who share a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences, deserve our respect. We do not have to pick between black Americans protesting for reform, and police officers who keep us safe. We can love both. We should love both. And if we are to finally move forward as a country, we must love both.
Opening our hearts to empathize is a start, but it is not enough. What we need to do is open our ears to hear what black people tell us is actually happening to them every day. Open our minds to accept that these are not exaggerations or isolated incidents. And then, open our mouths to demand the changes that the victims of this violence say we need and need right now.
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley III, Trentonian
MORRIS COUNTY — As part of his restart and recovery plan, “The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health Through Public Health,” Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey will enter Stage Two on Monday, June 15.
Guided by strict protocols from the New Jersey Department of Health, as well as input from the Governor’s Restart and Recovery Commission and complementary Advisory Councils, Stage Two will include outdoor dining for restaurants and indoor, non-essential retail as of Monday, June 15.
Beginning on Monday, June 22, barbershops and salons will be able to reopen. In the period to follow, New Jersey will work toward the gradual opening of personal care, gyms, and health clubs, at reduced capacities as the stage progresses. All of these activities will be allowed pursuant to strict health and safety guidelines that will be issued in the coming days. New Jersey ended maximum restrictions and moved to Stage One on May 18, 2020.
“As we move through Stage One of our strategic restart and recovery process, public health data continues to demonstrate our collective success in flattening the curve of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Murphy. “It is with these favorable metrics, coupled with expanded testing capacity and contact tracing, that we can responsibly enter Stage Two of our multi-stage approach to recovery. Our economic restart must instill confidence among our residents and visitors that their safety, and that of their families, is our number one priority. I encourage all New Jerseyans to continue their vigilance in keeping themselves and their communities safe by social distancing, wearing face coverings, washing hands frequently, and limiting gatherings.”
STAGE 2: Restrictions are relaxed on activities that can be easily safeguarded.
Phased-in businesses and activities, with adherence to safeguarding and modification guidelines, include:
Outdoor dining (beginning on June 15)
Limited in-person retail (beginning on June 15)
Hair salons and barbershops (beginning on June 22)
Youth summer programs (beginning on July 6)
In-person clinical research/labs
Limited fitness/gyms
Limited in-person government services (e.g. – Motor Vehicle Commission)
Museums/libraries
All workers who can work from home should continue to work from home.
Precautions that apply across all stages include:
Clinically high-risk individuals who can stay at home should continue to do so.
All residents and businesses should follow state and federal safeguarding guidelines:
Wash hands
Wear masks in public
Respect social distancing
Minimize gatherings
Disinfect workplace and businesses
Minimize gatherings
No mass gatherings
New Jersey will move toward subsequent stages based on data that demonstrates improvements in public health and the capacity to safeguard the public, including:
Sustained improvements in public health indicators, including new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, individuals in intensive care, and ventilator use;
Substantial increase in testing and contact tracing capacity;
Sufficient resilience in New Jersey’s health care system to include adequate bed capacity, ventilators, personal protective equipment, and workforce;
Widespread safeguarding of workplaces;
Widespread safeguarding and capacity of child care, schools, and mass transit;
Continued public compliance.
If public health indicators, safeguarding, or compliance worsen on a sustained basis, New Jersey will be prepared to move back to more restrictive stages as well.
For a one-page summary of Governor Murphy’s multi-stage approach to restart New Jersey’s economy, click here
PARSIPPANY — Please join in celebrating the Parsippany High School Band students as they present to you, virtually, the 2020 Solo & Small Ensemble Concert! All performances were filmed and edited by the students. Stick around to the end as they honor the Seniors and present the annual awards. We hope this concert brings you some joy during these uncertain times. Thank you for supporting music in Parsippany and around the world!
PARSIPPANY — Life is so very precious and fleeting. We are only on this earth for a short time and the time of our departure is generally unknown. We try to make the most of our lives during the time we have – to love, to cry, to hope, to dream. Unfortunately, there are times when the end of life is not a natural one.
The death of George Floyd is one such death. This despicable and heinous taking of life by the arresting police officer and the inaction of those other officers who could have stopped it, are not acceptable in our society and are not representative of the majority of the law enforcement officers who protect and serve within our communities. Regardless of your politics, this blatant disregard for the life of one of God’s Beloved children is unacceptable.
We are better than this. Our country must be better than this. When we see injustice we must act swiftly and with informed precision to address, dismantle, and redress its inequities. We cannot remain silent or simply offer gratuitous platitudes time and again in hope that things will change, nor in our anger and frustration, must we use violence and unlawfulness to respond in-kind. We must find a way to heal through open and honest dialogue – together, as one people. I stand firm in my belief that as difficult as it may be, we can, and will find a way.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, located at 449 Halsey Road
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library Adult YouTube Channel.
June 1: Join us this Monday for our poetry readings by one of our Library Staff. This week we will feature readings from Joyce Kilmer and Christopher Marlowe
June 2: 9:00 a.m. Tech Tips from our Tech Guru, Valerie Smith
10:00 a.m. Yoga for Seniors through Zoom.
June 3: 10:00 a.m. Historical Romance- Scottish Style Book Bundle goes live.
June 4: 9:00 a.m. This week on Presentation Thursday join us for the Levins and their Poe Preview show-Music and fun!
June 5: Fridays are for fun. Fun Fitness for all ages with Miss Karen. STEAM programs with Miss Corinne. From Reference Librarian Vera Borum- a how-to for using Novelist – Media Mention
Dear Editor: 
