Part 2 – Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – August 20, 2019
Part 3 – Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – August 20, 2019
dePierro makes a motion to pay Retired Captain Carifi
PARSIPPANY — At the Township Council meeting of Tuesday, August 20, Councilman Michael dePierro read a Motion to Direct Mayor to disperse payment to former Parsippany Police Captain James Carifi. The motion passed with three yes votes.
Township Attorney James Lott objected to the motion stating “Mr. Council President: Due to the nature of the motion, which I think is procedurally irregular, I would ask that we go into closed session to discuss this. We’re currently in litigation with Mr. Carifi. I also don’t believe it’s appropriate to appropriate any money pursuant to a resolution. I think that has to be reduced in writing of higher resolution.”
Councilman dePierro read the motion in record. “I am making a motion to direct the Mayor to pay retired Captain James Carifi, the accrued time of 405 days of unused sick, vacation, comp time and personal days worth $368,482.02 owed to him in full, plus interest, to date. These monies had already been set aside by the township when Mr. Carifi retired. Therefore, there was no hardship or additional costs to the residents of Parsippany. I’m proposing at the payments shall be made in three equal payments with interest to date, with each disbursement. The first payment shall be made within a week from the date of this Council direction with the following two on the anniversary, so we’re not giving him all the money at once. We’re given to him one third of it each year for three years with adjusted interest at the time of payment. So therefore I’m requesting that The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills wishes to conduct and ministerial function of compensating Mr. Carifi for his unused time without any admission of liability or statement as to the position of either party regarding Mr. Carifi’s separation from employment. If it’s accepted by former Officer Carifi, this payment will resolve all claims Mr. Carifi has to accrued days of unused sick, vacation, comp time and personal days from the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.”
Before voting on the motion, the Motion was objected by Mr. Lott. “That’s against my advice. I also don’t believe that this motion is appropriate,” said Lott. The motion was made against the advice of Mr. Lott.
The roll call was made. Mr. dePierro voted yes, Mrs. Gragnani voted yes, Mrs. McCarthy voted yes, Mr. Carfi was recused and Councilwoman Emily Peterson abstained at the advice of Mr. Lott. The motion passes with three votes, one recusal and one abstention.
Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani after the meeting stated “The funds necessary to make this contractually-obligated payment to the officer have been in escrow for the past six years, since he filed for retirement. No new money will be coming from the township budget or Parsippany taxpayers to meet this contractual obligation, and it resolves all issues regarding the officer’s retirement from the township. Since 1999, Parsippany Township has implemented changes to restrict the amount of money retiring employees can expect to collect for unused sick, vacation and personal time. This officer was employed under a contract that predated those restrictions.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano stated “For years, Councilmembers dePierro and Gragnani supported the Barberio-Inglesino administration’s wasteful lawsuits against Captain Carifi, and opposed my administration’s efforts to resolve this series of cases in an equitable and lawful way. dePierro and Gragnani have made a cynical political ploy, abandoning positions they have held for years, to improve their political position just two months before Election Day.”
Auth calls for Murphy appointee to resign amid anti-Semitic social media posts
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Robert Auth is calling for the resignation of a state labor department representative, appointed by Governor Phil Murphy, following his divisive social media posts. Jeffrey Dye, who also serves as the president of the Passaic NAACP, is facing criticism for his anti-Semitic and anti-Latino comments on Facebook.
“The dangerous and divisive comments by Jeffrey Dye are appalling,” said Auth (R-Bergen). “He is certainly not fit for service in this state or anywhere else for that matter. He should immediately resign. I’m shocked the governor ignored the advice of respected Assemblyman Gary Shaer who told him not to give him a job. It isn’t often I find myself agreeing with the assemblyman, but on this I agree with him 100 percent.”
Auth praised the Jewish and Latino communities for their invaluable contributions and said that he had no tolerance for those who make such disparaging remarks.
“I have found the counsel and support of the Jewish community invaluable to me in my work as a legislator,” said Auth who most recently joined forces with a doctor and his lawyer, who are both Orthodox Jews, to stop New Jersey’s physician-assisted suicide law. “Additionally, my amazing wife Elsa of 38 years is Cuban.”
Blue Foundry Bank Announces Donations in Excess of $70,000 to Local Charities
PARSIPPANY — Blue Foundry Bank, one of northern New Jersey’s largest community banks and providers of financial services for more than 80 years, announced a 2019 Q2 payout of $70,132 to 140 local, New Jersey organizations enrolled in its Community Alliance Program (CAP).
The philanthropic program offers individuals and businesses a cost-free way to give back to their favorite regional non-profits, simply by holding an account atBlue Foundry Bank and designating it to an enrolled CAP organization. The In the 13-year existence of this program, the innovative bank has awarded a remarkable $3.8 million.
“Hundreds of organizations have been able to continue their meaningful work thanks to donations they have received through our Community Alliance Program,” said Debra Cannariato, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Blue Foundry Bank. “Giving back to organizations our account holders feel passionate about has always been a hallmark of our CAP program and we will continue to champion our customers, and our core values, through this effort.
About Blue Foundry Bank: Founded as Boiling Springs Savings Bank in 1939 and headquartered in Rutherford, New Jersey, Blue Foundry Bank is a new kind of bank offering New Jersey full service, crafted banking. Its deposits are insured by the FDIC. With 17 branches throughout Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, Blue Foundry is one of the area’s largest savings banks designed specifically for its people, the movers and shakers. Reflecting its deep roots within New Jersey, and efforts to continue to move the community forward, the bank became Blue Foundry Bank on July 1, 2019.
To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (201) 939-5000.
Community Hope receives $7,500 grant from the Affinity Federal Credit Union
PARSIPPANY — Community Hope has received a grant in the amount of $7,500 from Affinity Federal Credit Union. The donation made by the Foundation will be used to fund shelter and critical services for veterans who served in various wartime periods and conflicts, many with complex medical and mental health histories including severe PTSD, multiple physical ailments, and struggling with substance use.
“Some of the veterans in our programs have been living on the streets or in shelters for many years with no access to healthcare and no mental health treatment services,” said Carmine V. Deo, Executive Director of Community Hope. “This grant will have a significant impact on veterans’ lives, ensuring they receive the counseling and therapy they need to overcome PTSD and other issues plaguing our former service men and women.”
This year alone, Community Hope estimates that through their veterans’ programs and services more than 1,000 veterans and family members will be saved from living on streets and overcrowded shelters. In addition, each day 150 individuals are served in Community Hope’s mental health supportive housing and residential recovery programs.
Community Hope is a leading nonprofit organization serving veterans in need and at-risk veteran families in and around New Jersey. Founded in 1985 by caring families of young adults whose lives were impacted by severe depression and other debilitating mental illnesses, Community Hope is on a mission to help veterans and their families overcome mental illness, addiction, homelessness and poverty by providing housing and support services. The Hope for Veterans umbrella of programs has saved more than 6,000 veterans and their family members. To learn more about Community Hope, click here and follow us on Instagram: CommunityHope_NJ, Twitter @CommunityHopeNJ, and Facebook at facebook.com/CommunityHopeNJ.
The AFCU Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Affinity Federal Credit Union and its Community Connected. The Foundation is dedicated to helping vulnerable populations thrive towards financial independence. The Foundation invests in local, grassroots organizations that support those in need, both through contributing grant dollars and connecting charities with skilled volunteers to elevate their mission.
With more than 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size. It is a member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information click here.
International Food Pantry partners with St. Peter “Free Farmers Market” program
PARSIPPANY — The Interfaith Food Pantry and Resource Center (IFPRC) announced a new partnership with St. Peter the Apostle Church and the Town of Parsippany-Troy Hills to expand its Healthy Choices Mobile Pantry program to assist the families who regularly visit those food pantries. In partnership with the Community Food Bank of NJ, the IFPRC is bringing its “Free Farmers Market” to St. Peter’s Church for distribution to families already receiving non-perishable items from the Church and Town pantries.
“There are families in Parsippany who may not have access to healthy food options and therefore we are very excited to work with St. Peter’s and the Town Health Department to bring fresh produce to their clients”, said Carolyn Lake, IFPRC’s Executive Director. “By partnering with these two agencies we can enhance the variety of food these families receive without duplicating efforts.”
The Mobile “Free Farmers Market” takes place once per month at St. Peter the Apostle Church on Beverwick Road. Recipients must be registered with St. Peter’s or the Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department to qualify. During the first Free Farmers Market held in June, 45 families were served, and this number is expected to grow to over 100.
“Our families are so grateful to receive the fresh fruits and vegetables that we just don’t have the refrigeration to handle”, said Donna Ferguson, St. Peter the Apostle Church. “We’re very excited to finally be able to help them gain access to healthier options”
The IFPRC’s Healthy Choices Mobile Pantry program was launched in 2017. Utilizing an existing network of smaller food pantries, low-income senior housing units and Morris County Nutrition Sites, both non-perishable and fresh items are distributed to those who cannot get to our IFPRC Pantries located in Morristown and Morris Plains. Last year, 17% of the 1.2 million pounds of food distributed by IFPRC was through its Mobile program. For more information, visit www.mcifp.org.
Township to hold Information Session regarding 2020 Census
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is taking part in an informational session regarding the 2020 Census. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 5, 7:00 p.m.
The Township has partnered with the Census Bureau and local non-profit organizations, to speak to our community about what to expect in the coming months.
Your partnership is vital to making sure the 2020 Census reflects an accurate population count for Parsippany. This session will cover topics such as outreach too Hard to Count Populations, data collection, and education.
The meeting will take place at Parsippany Hills High School, located at 20 Rita Drive, Morris Plains.
Should you have any questions please call the Mayor’s Office at (973) 263-4262.
Winston is looking for a new home
PARSIPPANY — Meet Winston, a six-year old Maltese! Winston’s nickname is Winnie the Pooh because he’s such a friendly dog!
He is very sweet and loving. Winnie loves belly rubs, long walks, and he already knows his basic commands! He is a laid-back gentleman who just wants to be in your company and cuddle on your lap, Winston needs to take daily medication for his liver but is totally fine taking it!
This happy guy does well with other dogs and cats. He would also be fine in a home with children above the age of ten.
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
Councilman Michael dePierro to hold 36th Annual Brunch
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Councilman Michael J. dePierro will be holding his 36th Annual Brunch at the Knoll Country Club (West) on Sunday, September 8. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Donation: $150 per person. To RSVP or for additional information contact Dee dePierro by calling (973) 263-3333. Please make checks payable to“EFO Michael J. dePierro,” Post Office Box 5682, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
Rotary Invites Other Groups to join “Walkfest 2019”
PARSIPPANY — The Rotary Clubs in our area are planning their 24th annual walk-a-thon for charity, “WALKFEST 2019”, and are inviting other charitable and community programs to join them and share the profits.
The Walkfest will be held on Sunday, October 13, at Waterloo Village, 525 Waterloo Road, Stanhope. The event will be raising money to support ending hunger programs in New Jersey, and traditionally allows other non-profit groups to join the effort and keep 50% of the money they raise.
Any legitimate community or charitable program may participate. Youth programs, sports teams, religious groups, booster clubs, Women’s Clubs and school clubs are some of the other outside groups that are welcome to join this effort.
Each group simply registers with the Rotary program, enlists pledges for their walkers, enjoys a one-hour stroll in a lovely park and then gets a check in the mail for their own program. At the same time they are aiding the work of Rotary Clubs in support of food pantry programs throughout New Jersey.
Corporate sponsors of this year’s event include Provident Bank, The Hanover Manor, Live the Lake NJ, Logan and Logan CPA, Blue Foundry Bank, Applebee’s Bar & Grill and Portofino’s Restaurant in Oak Ridge.
For further information or reservations, contact Margit Rahill, at (973) 361-2810 or by e-mail at [email protected].
To learn more about Rotary in your community click here. To download a copy of their brochure click here.
Vikings announces 2019 Varsity Football Captains
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Vikings Football announced the Captains for the 2019 Football Season. The Captains are Dennis Wilson, David Giraldo, Brandon Perot, EJ Comerford and JD Breslauer.
Their first Varsity Scrimmage will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21 at Parsippany Hills High School vs. Sparta Township.
Hundreds of Adult and Community Education Classes Offered
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Adult and Community Education (PACE) released its Fall 2019 catalog of classes being offered.
A very big part of the mission of PACE, is providing opportunities to members of the community to develop in both personal and professional ways. Their goal is to offer modern, creative, informative and fun classes that meet the interests and needs of the wonderful and diverse community. Whether you are looking to advance your skills in one of their computer classes or you are interested in learning a new hobby, PACE has the right opportunity for you.
Is there a chef or future chef in your household? Parsippany resident and author Dana Ilic has a number of classes with the beginning or experienced chef in mind. From “The Sunday Gravy” to Fresh Mozzarella, Chicken Scarpiello, to Tomato Soup with Italian Grilled Cheese on the side are some of the many courses being offered to adults. There are even “Youth Cooking Programs” being offered at Jeremiah’s Catering and Cooking Studio for “Kids in the Kitchen.” Instruction is geared towards children ages seven to nine years old. They can learn, Breakfast for Dinner, Rice Crispy Candy Sushi, Ramen Stir Fry with Chicken or Vegetables, Christmas Light Cookies and many other opportunities.
There are three new course offerings to help manage and reduce your stress: Gentle Chair Yoga, Stress Reduction with Hypnosis and Nutrition Strategies for Stress and Pain Management.
There are sports, crafts, classes and even trips! Mah Jongg for Beginners, Getting Paid to Talk – Making Money with your Voice; Makeup Tips and Tricks; Fall Foliage Kayak Adventures; Hiking for Health and Inner Peace; Zumba Fitness and Toning; Volleyball – Skills Development; Pilates for All; Stop Smoking with Hypnosis; Lose Weight with Hypnosis; Stress Reduction with Hypnosis; Introduction to Google Apps, Intro to Excel, Word for the Beginner or the Advanced; Ballroom and Latin Dancing for Beginners, Intermediate or Advanced; Managing Healthcare; and many more.
Trips to Sandy Hook, Atlantic Highlands and Spring Lake Boardwalk with Lunch at Breakers, Spring Lake or a trip to Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island are among the many trips PACE has to offer.
There are also many youth programs including Fashion Sewing, SAT/ACT Preparation, Rollercoasters, Beginning Quilting to name a few.
You must register prior to the start date of the class. Registrations will not be accepted the night of the class. You must be officially registered and on the roster in order to participate in any PACE offering. Avoid class cancellations, register early.
For additional information call the PACE office at (862) 702-2040 for further assistance. Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
To register online click here.
Teachers and Board of Education reached a settlement in contract negotations
PARSIPPANY — In a brief statement, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education announced “The Board is pleased to report that it has reached a settlement with the PTHEA on a successor contract and is looking forward to approving the contract after it is ratified by the Association’s members when they return to school in early September.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills School District opens for students on Tuesday, September 3.
Kiwanis Club collects school supplies to Parsippany Human Services
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany collected school supplies for Parsippany students who need supplies to start off the school year. Parsippany schools open on Tuesday, September 3.
“Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany wants to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed in the classroom by providing free school supplies to Parsippany students in need. I would personally like to thank all the participating businesses Parsippany that helped us collect the supplies as well as our Kiwanis members” said President Karen DeChristopher.
Items collected included pencils, crayons, colored pencils, three-ring binders, scientific calculators, backpacks, pens, scissors, pencil sharpeners and pouches, paper, notebooks, composite books, glues sticks, highlighters, and other school supplies.
The supplies will be distributed through Parsippany Human Services for distribution to children in need. Any Parsippany student needing school supplies is suggested to call (973) 263-7163.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany said it has been getting calls from families in need for several weeks asking for help. Many of the parents are worried their kids won’t have what they need for school.
“Starting school off with the proper gear is important for a child’s wellbeing. We just want to make sure every child is prepared to learn and succeed in the classroom, so their school performance is not affected,” said Carol Tiesi, Board Member and Community Chairman.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious based or partisan in any way. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at the Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. We are 72 members strong and growing. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany).
Soriano celebrates the opening of “Grafton Park”
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has completed the walking trails in Grafton Park. Grafton Park is located in the Sedgefield section of the township.
Sedgefield Civic Association worked with the Township to create tranquil walking trails. When Hurricane Sandy made contact in 2012, many trees came down and the park could not be used for safety reasons. There were downed trees and the paths were deemed unsafe. More trees needed to be taken down and cleared away. Former Mayor Jamie Barberio held a press conference in late 2017 promising the residents that the park would be rebuilt. Mayor Michael Soriano kept the promise to the residents and celebrated with a ribbon cutting of new park, on Saturday, August 18. The park is the perfect place for a morning walk or an afternoon stroll.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Michael Soriano, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Former Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Former Mayor James Barberio, along with members of the Board of Directors of Sedgefield Civic Association and local residents joined in the celebration and cut the “Green Ribbon” at the entrance of Grafton Park.
In 1949, Justus Nienaber started to develop Sedgefield with a group of builders. The name was taken from a charming and peaceful Carolina resort hotel, The Sedgefield Inn, which is surrounded by a development of gracious homes.
The name Sedgefield itself is derived from two Anglo-Saxon words: secg (a sword), its popular meaning – any course, grass like herb, growing in damp places; and feld – a cleared piece of land.
Carrying on with the Anglo-Saxon Association, all the streets bear the names of English towns, villages or locations. The three entry streets are Sherwood, Sedgefield and Dartford. All streets between Sedgefield and Dartford are in alphabetical order. All streets between Robinhood and Friar are of English origin but are not in alphabetical order.
Development in Sedgefield can be determined by the type of roads in the area. The first section contained ranch or single story homes built on streets with no curbs. The second section contained ranch, split-level and two-story colonials built on streets with concrete curbs. The third and final section contained two-story colonials or split-level homes built on streets with Belgian block curbing and sidewalks.
Long time residents can remember when Littleton Road (US 202) was a two-lane tree-line road with very little traffic. It passed Rusty’s Hardware Store, the old St. Christopher’s Church (which was housed in the Blue Swan Inn) and a goat farm that used to be in the area of the Littleton Road bridge over Route 80. Alderney Dairy had a barn and pasture where Gatehall is now located. Cows and deer used to wander into Sedgefield along Robinhood Road. A few deer still visit us on occasion.
Back then, the Morris Plains Shopping Center had a Two Guys from Harrison store. Sip and Sup was located at the intersection of Route 202 and Route 10 where one could enjoy food and dairy products in a leisurely manner and watch the few cars going through the intersection. The area now covered with commercial buildings (Campus Drive, Sylvan Way and Dryden Way) contained dairy farms and was used by the Civic Association for picnics and fireworks.
In the 1970s, Sherwood Village (the section around Sherwood, Friar, Robinhood and Littlejohn Roads) was included as part of Sedgefield. Crawford Road was the last area to be developed.
The last home in Sedgefield was erected in 1988, a two-story colonial manufactured in Pennsylvania. This was the 295th home in Sedgefield.
“Littleton Entrepreneurs” selling lemonade on a hot summer day
PARSIPPANY — Nine-year old Katie Kaszner and Eight-year old Daniela Bracken, both entering fourth grade at Littleton School, sat up a lemonade stand on Saturday, August 17 on Friar Way. The girls made lemonade and then served it for fifty cents a cup to people stopping by visiting.
One of the many visitors were able Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano.
Other visitors included Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov and members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
Letter to the editor: An Open Letter to our Representative Mikie Sherrill
Dear Editor:
A lot of my friends, as well as myself, listen to the New York Times “The Daily” podcast and I was thrilled to post on Facebook Monday morning that our member of congress was the featured interview this week. It’s nice to see that you’re getting noticed and that can only help to gain attention for the things you want to accomplish for the district.
While I had some issues with the way you handled some of the questions (especially in regard to the idea of accountability in government at this historic moment in our democracy, which I’ll get to in a bit) a subsequent episode of “The Daily” Thursday morning really nailed down what’s bothering me about the world today. It has also further clarified for me what your role (as my member of Congress) is at this global historical moment.
You see, Thursday morning’s edition of “The Daily” focuses on the persecution by the Chinese government of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang province. The Chinese government is actually putting hundreds of thousands, if not a million people in “re-education camps.” Essentially, our nearest rival on the world economic stage – an ascendant economic power that simultaneously embraces capitalism and totalitarianism – is piloting exactly what Orwell warned about.
This is what happens in the absence of a free society that operates with democratic principles such as a free press that promotes transparency, and cultural respect for the idea that a general population can and should exercise oversight of their government. This is what happens in the absence of the dream of our own founding fathers – that informed citizens can self govern. As the Chinese government uses gaslighting propaganda to obscure their deeds and convince their own general population of its legitimacy (absent a scrutinizing free press) we hopelessly watch these developments.
Meanwhile, in Russia, Vladimir Putin masquerades his country as a free democracy, which is laughable as he jails his opposition, restricts them from exercising any power, attacks the press, allegedly murders journalists, and dismisses massive protests in Moscow as no threat.
However, most heartbreaking is that here in the U.S., which up until a little over two years ago was seen as the guardian of democracy across the globe, our own leader dabbles in the same authoritarian tendencies, particularly in regard to propaganda (a pathological gas-lighting liar) while resisting transparency and oversight. Day after day, our leader promotes and attempts to execute the same ideologies of these other tyrannical regimes. He jeopardizes the integrity of everything the founding fathers worked to build.
This is where you come in, Representative Sherrill. You came into office because our previous representative was seen to be failing on accountability and transparency. We held our breath for two years after the inauguration of President Trump in hopes that we could regain accountability and oversight of this administration which demonstrated so much corruption and criminality (Flynn, Pruitt, Zinke, etc.) and nearly treasonous behavior (Helsinki). You were a prosecutor, so you had experience in investigating and holding criminality to account. You had military experience, so people thought highly of your patriotism as someone who put their life on the line for the sake of the nation.
During Monday’s interview with the New York Times, you deftly avoided discussion of supporting an impeachment inquiry even though the second part of the Mueller report clearly outlined numerous incidences of obstruction of justice. Over and above that well-publicized mess, the president has shown questionable judgment in regard to national security (clearance overrides for Kushner, mishandling top-secret intel, no interest in protecting against further Russian cyber attacks) and continues to violate the Emoluments Clause by profiting off the presidency. Even in the face of all this shady business, the President and his entire administration laugh off Congressional oversight, weaponizing the courts through the art of frivolous lawsuits to halt transparency.
You emphasized that you wanted to focus on our transit system (the Gateway Tunnel project), on healthcare, and jobs for the district. It seemed ironic to me that China has great transit, universal healthcare, and a booming economy, with a population subservient to its government, while our free nation still fights for so much of what China already has. As a congressional representative, a crucial member of our national government, you stand at the important gateway of our very democracy.
Some speculate that your wavering is all about NJ-11 being a swing district and that somehow, possibly a majority of voters here, think the President should be allowed to be above oversight (especially if Sean Hannity says so). However, if the fear of losing your seat in Congress is driving your hesitancy to endorse an impeachment inquiry, I recommend having a heart-to-heart conversation with Representative Tom Malinowski in our neighboring district NJ-7 or Katie Porter from CA-45. Both of these representatives flipped districts that are still rated by Cook Political Report as R+3 (same as our NJ-11), and both also support the inquiry to hold the president accountable.
You once held the controls of a U.S. Navy Helicopter where at any time your commanding officer could have sent you into harm’s way, risking your life, your future, and basically all that you have right now – all for the sake of your country. We need at least some of that same courage right now. Rep. Sherrill, stand in the way of autocracy and stand up for the rule of law when you return to Washington.
Tom Wyka
Parsippany
Adopt Perla; Seven Year Old Chihuahua
PARSIPPANY — Meet Perla, a seven pound, seven-year-old Chihuahua named after the mouse in Cinderella because she will make you feel so loved (and she looks just like her)!
Perla came to us from a local, municipal shelter where she came in as a stray. We can’t imagine anyone giving up this sweet, quiet girl!
Perla loves cheese (of course!), scratches behind the ears, and sunbathing. She is very relaxed and can live with dogs of all sizes, cats, and children 13+. She is completely potty-trained and crate-trained–what a perfect little girl!
Her ideal home would be a relaxed one where she can spend her days in front of a window in the sun. She likes going for short walks and being held and cuddles. Perla loves doing her own thing but also loves getting attention.
If you’re looking for a happy, relaxed dog to add to your family, apply to adopt Perla today!
If you are interested in adopting Perla, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
Governor Murphy Signs Resolution Designating “Puerto Rico Day”
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed SJR129, designating the third Sunday of September of each year as “Puerto Rico Day” in New Jersey. New Jersey is home to the third largest Puerto Rican population in the continental United States.
“This resolution recognizes the many contributions that Puerto Ricans and those of Puerto Rican heritage have contributed to our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Puerto Ricans are our teachers, our doctors, our small business owners, and our U.S. Supreme Court justices. The third Sunday of this September and every September from now on will be dedicated to the nearly 500,000 Puerto Ricans living in New Jersey and to the countless contributions they make to our state and nation.”
Primary sponsors of the resolution include Senators M. Teresa Ruiz, Nellie Pou, and Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and Assembly members Eliana Pintor Marin, Shanique Speight, and Yvonne Lopez.
“Designating the third Sunday of September of each year as Puerto Rico Day in New Jersey signifies the unique relationship between the Garden State and the island of Puerto Rico,” said Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz. “It is a chance to celebrate the Puerto Rican people, language and culture and their many contributions to the state of New Jersey. As the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the Senate, it is an honor to have put forth legislation that continues to highlight one of our greatest assets in the state, our diversity.”
“Puerto Ricans have long been one of our states largest minority populations. We have helped build, create and lead New Jersey in immeasurable ways,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez. “It’s only right that our state acknowledges these efforts and contributions from a community that has given so much throughout our long and storied history. I look forward to celebrating with everyone next month for New Jersey’s first Puerto Rican Day.”
“New Jersey truly is a melting pot of various cultures and that diversity is what makes our state great,” said Senator Nellie Pou. “Our state has one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the country and as a proud Puerto Rican, I am glad to have had the opportunity to sponsor legislation that recognizes and celebrates a community whose influence on New Jersey has undeniably shaped the great state we have today.”
“The Puerto Rican Community has long contributed to the diversity present in New Jersey. Puerto Ricans, who comprise more than 5 percent of the state’s total population, and growing, continue to play a major role in all aspects of New Jersey’s cultural, social, political and economic life, said Assembly bill sponsors in a joint statement.
“Puerto Ricans and their descendants continue to be present and active throughout New Jersey communities. From the first Puerto Ricans who arrived at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ during the First World War to Borinqueneer Veterans who were Presidential Gold Medal Recipients of the Korean War, Puerto Ricans have made significant contributions to the Garden State and the nation.” the sponsors continued. “The State of New Jersey and Puerto Rico also continue to have a strong sense of shared community, perhaps best evidenced recently in the immediate and generous action taken by New Jersey residents to offer assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. “Formally designating an annual Puerto Rico Day acknowledges the meaningful relationship between Puerto Rico and New Jersey and serves to encourage residents to celebrate the people, language and culture of Puerto Rico.”
“We are deeply gratified to know that Governor Murphy continues to stand with the people of Puerto Rico,” said Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Puerto Rico Relief. “As an inclusive leader, he has been instrumental in Puerto Rico’s healing process since Hurricanes Irma and Maria and continues to support the rebuilding of our precious island, Borinquén, as well as ensuring that the state of New Jersey provides vital services and recovery assistance to Puerto Ricans who have relocated across the region since the devastating Hurricanes.”
“As the first Miss Puerto Rico of the Statewide Parade of New Jersey, I am thankful that our Puerto Rican community is being honored with SJR129. I want to thank the Legislators and the Governor for making the third Sunday in September of each year as “Puerto Rican Day” in New Jersey,” said Peggy Anastos, Vice-Chair of the New Jersey Commission on Puerto Rico Relief. “My Puerto Rican Brothers and sisters here and in Puerto Rico should be treated equally as all other American Citizens in the Country. This bill will remind people that we are the largest of any Latino group in New Jersey. Puerto Ricans have seen our island go through many difficulties in the past years. Celebrating our culture and love for our music and people is important. thank you again Governor Murphy and Senator Pou, Senator Ruiz, Senator Nilsa Cruz Perez, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marín and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.”
“The designation of the third Sunday of every September as “Puerto Rico Day” is another indication of Governor Murphy’s inclusive agenda and his desire to recognize every community in this beautifully diverse state. Puerto Ricans have been civil rights pioneers in New Jersey and across the nation,” said Frank Argote-Freyre, Chair of the Latino Action Network Foundation. “They were the founders of many of the community organizations in New Jersey that now serve hundreds of thousands of needy individuals of all backgrounds.”
“The history of Puerto Ricans in New Jersey is one that spans well over a half-century and encompasses a series of social, cultural and political accomplishments by the community throughout this time. By declaring the third Sunday of every September, as “Puerto Rican Day”, Governor Murphy does not only recognize these past achievements but also reaffirms the important role that Puerto Ricans will have on the future success of the Garden State,” said David Ortiz, Sr., Puerto Rican Community Leader. “I would like to thank the Governor for bestowing such an honor to all Puerto Ricans who call New Jersey their home. It will be well received and highly appreciated by our community for many years to come.”
“The island of Puerto Rico has endured some of the most horrendous challenges of its time from natural catastrophes, to the recent ousting of Governor Rosello and more. The Latino Action Network (LAN) has been directly on the ground in several relief and rebuild missions since Hurricane Maria and knows firsthand the turmoil related to these challenges,” said Cuqui Rivera, Executive Secretary of the Latino Action Network. “Governor Murphy you again stand up and with our Latino community in recognition of our New Jersey Puerto Rican constituents. Your gesture of love and support through this legislation is appreciated and applauded… Gracias!!”