PARSIPPANY — Registration for the Spring 2019 Parsippany Phoenix season is now open. They have teams for boys and girls in third to eighth grades. The season starts late February/early March and runs into the middle of June. Teams typically practice two to three times a week.
As always the goal is to give the players a chance to learn the fundamentals of lacrosse and the positive impact of teamwork and good sportsmanship on and off the field through a fun, positive coaching environment.
Get involved in the fastest growing sport in the country and be part of the fun the game of lacrosse offers.
NEW JERSEY — Colonel Patrick Callahan and the New Jersey State Police participated in the global initiative, Safer Internet Day, which is a campaign aimed to raise awareness about the dangers posed to children by online predators.
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan
The New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) is 1 of 61 task forces nationwide, which are comprised of more than 4,500 federal, state, and local agencies. The N.J. ICAC Task Force consists of more than 60 law enforcement partners including the Office of the Attorney General.
Over the last three years, New Jersey has experienced a dramatic increase in child-exploitation related incidents:
Investigations increased from 855 to 1700
CyberTipline complaints (the mechanism the public uses to report ICAC incidents) increased from 2,352 to 4,158
Arrests increased from 143 to 300
Internet safety presentations increased from 170 to 350
“Safer Internet Day is an important opportunity to remind parents to speak openly with their children about the hidden dangers of the internet,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Parents need to warn their children that the people they encounter on social media, gaming sites and chat apps may not be who they seem. Child predators are increasingly using these media platforms to locate and groom children for their sinister purposes, and parents must teach their children not to share personal information or pictures with strangers online.”
“In the past, parents would have to educate their children about the dangers of talking to strangers while walking to school or playing at parks or playgrounds, but unfortunately today’s predators can reach children while they are seemingly safe inside their home,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “The N.J. ICAC Task Force will never cease to aggressively root out online predators, but they cannot do it alone. Parents need to monitor the online activity of their children and educate them about the dangers that social media, games and other computer applications pose.”
Here are some tips for parents according to “Social Media and Teen Anxiety” from the Harvard School of Education:
Be mindful that through likes and follows, teens are getting actual data on how much people like them and their appearance
Social media-induced stressors:Seeing people posting about events to which you haven’t been invited
Feeling pressure to post positive and attractive content about yourself
Feeling pressure to get comments and likes on your posts
Having someone post things about you that you cannot change or control
Parents need to keep in mind that it’s probably not just social media that’s making their teens anxious — it’s the normal social stressors that these platforms facilitate, albeit at a different size and scale
If your teen seems irritable or overwhelmed by social media, pay attention to what specifically is causing those feelings
For more information, parents can visit www.missingkids.com for resources and can call the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at (609) 584-5051 ext. 5624.
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., is reminding residents of the upcoming regular council meeting on Tuesday, February 5 starting at 7:00 p.m. Click here for a copy of the proposed agenda.
The public is invited to attend all meetings. A portion of each meeting will be set aside for public comment. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings. Ending time is approximate.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President CEO Earth Friendly Products and Governor Phil Murphy. Earth Friendly Products, which has operated in New Jersey for 30 years, starts employees at $17.00 an hour
TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that will raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by 2024. The bill (A-15), sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, will grow the economy and raise wages for over one million New Jersey workers, giving them a foothold in the middle class.
“For far too long, too many of our fellow New Jerseyans have been struggling to survive on wages that have not kept up with the cost of living,” said Governor Murphy. “I am incredibly proud to sign legislation that raises the minimum wage to $15.00 per hour, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us will have the means to put food on the table, while growing our economy and addressing priorities of the small business community. I thank Senate President Sweeney, Speaker Coughlin, and thousands of advocates and community leaders throughout our state for their unwavering commitment to making this goal a reality.”
“In New Jersey there is no way a family can survive on $8.85 an hour. Fair wages are about paying people enough to afford the rising costs of healthcare, education and the basic necessities in life,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who also serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “New Jersey has made a historic decision today that will help raise over a million working families out of poverty while boosting the economy. I proudly stand by Governor Murphy as he signs a $15.00 minimum wage into law.”
Mayor Michael Soriano
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano said “More money in employees pockets means more money is being spent in Parsippany restaurants and retails stores. It’s going to boost our local economy, and it’s going to help New Jersey continue to develop a thriving small business culture.”
“Our goal of reaching a $15.00 minimum wage will now become a reality. A minimum wage should be a living wage,” said Senate President Sweeney. “This is a progressive plan that will provide greater economic fairness for minimum wage workers, helping to improve their standard of living and their quality of life. We can now achieve greater economic fairness by closing the wealth gap that has separated segments of society.”
“I am proud to join Governor Murphy and Senate President Sweeney during this remarkable day to celebrate our minimum wage bill becoming law,” said Speaker Coughlin. “Too many workers aren’t earning enough to make ends meet. But, that all changes today. Today marks a new day for New Jersey residents and future generations, as we gradually raise the minimum wage and help alleviate poverty across our great state.”
The current minimum wage in New Jersey is $8.85 per hour. Under the new law, the base minimum wage for New Jersey workers will increase to $10.00 per hour on July 1, 2019. By January 1, 2020, the statewide minimum wage will increase to $11.00 per hour, and then will increase by $1.00 per hour every January 1 until it reaches $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2024.
For seasonal workers and employees at small businesses with five or fewer workers, the base minimum wage will reach $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2026. By January 1, 2028, workers in these groups will receive the minimum wage inclusive of inflation adjustments that take place from 2024 to 2028, equalizing the minimum wage with the main cohort of New Jersey workers.
For agricultural workers, the base minimum wage will increase to $12.50 per hour by January 1, 2024. No later than March 31, 2024, the New Jersey Labor Commissioner and Secretary of Agriculture will jointly decide whether to recommend that the minimum wage for agricultural workers increase to $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2027, as specified in the bill. If they cannot come to an agreement, a third member, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, will break the tie. If there is a recommendation to disapprove of the scheduled increases or suggest an alternative pathway, the Legislature will have the ability to implement that recommendation by passage of a concurrent resolution.
Elected officials, advocates, and business leaders proclaimed support for New Jersey’s new minimum wage law.
“New Jersey is taking a big step forward in raising the minimum wage for most workers to $15.00 by 2024. It would be better, however, if that timetable applied to all businesses instead of putting some on a slower path,” said Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage. “A lagging minimum wage will hurt small businesses, not help them. Small businesses that choose to pay the lower minimum wage will have more trouble hiring, experience higher turnover and lower productivity as employees go elsewhere to make a living, and undermine the customer service that keeps people coming through their doors. Rebranding ‘Shop Small’ as ‘Pay Small’ is the last thing small businesses need.”
Governor Phil Murphy and Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President CEO Earth Friendly Products
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and CEO of Earth Friendly Products®, maker of more than 200 ECOS® brand green cleaning products, Parsippany: “We’ve paid a living wage significantly above the minimum wage for many years, and we’ve seen long-term savings in the form of low turnover and better productivity and customer service. The direct costs of turnover include recruitment, interviewing and training. The indirect costs are less obvious, but they’re significant: lost productivity during onboarding, lower efficiency and lost corporate memory. Raising the minimum wage is an important investment in businesses and the consumer spending that drives New Jersey’s economy.”
Senator Robert Menendez
“If you work hard and have a full time job, you should be able to afford a roof over your head and food on your table, but sadly, too many across our state and our country can’t get by no matter how hard or how long they work,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “I’d like to applaud Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin for working together on behalf of the people of New Jersey. When I think of the workers this legislation will benefit, I think of the kind of people I grew up with—men and women who put in long hours in some of the toughest jobs in our society, but still can’t seem to get ahead. As Democrats, we will never give up in our fight to create an economy that works for everyone.”
“Here in New Jersey, we are setting an example for the rest of the nation by raising the minimum wage and lifting many fellow New Jerseyans out of poverty,” said Senator Cory Booker, co-sponsor of the federal Raise the Wage Act (S.150). “It is time that we build on New Jersey’s successful effort and pass a $15.00 minimum wage on the federal level and provide all workers with a living wage.”
Senator Cory Booker (File Photo)
“No one working full-time in New Jersey should ever have to live in poverty and committing to a $15.00 minimum wage is an important step in that direction,” said Rep. Frank Pallone. “I want to thank Governor Murphy and the legislature for passing a law that will make a real difference in the lives of workers throughout our state. Now, Congress must work to follow Governor Murphy and New Jersey’s lead to increase the minimum wage for millions more families throughout our country.”
“No one working a full-time job should ever live in poverty. Putting the minimum wage on a path to $15 will give all New Jerseyans a path to the dignity and security that comes with a living wage,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell, a cosponsor of H.R. 582, the federal Raise the Wage Act. “I thank Governor Murphy and our state’s legislative leaders for their tireless work on this crucial issue. An increased minimum wage will strengthen New Jersey’s working class and our state as a whole. Today is a historic day for New Jersey and I will fight to raise the federal minimum wage to bring New Jersey values and policies to the rest of the nation.”
“I am incredibly proud that New Jersey is taking action to help over a million workers and boost the state’s economy by raising the minimum wage,” said Rep. Donald Norcross. “Last year, Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin joined me for their first public appearance together calling for $15 an hour minimum wage. Today, that promise becomes a reality and full-time working New Jerseyans will be lifted out of poverty. I’ve worked for minimum wage and I spent my career fighting for good pay for workers. I know this is the moral issue of our time. Now, my colleagues in Washington need to wake up, follow my home state’s lead and get to work to raise wages.”
“In an age of increasing income inequality, it is unconscionable for people to work a full-time job and not have enough income to keep their lights on,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “At the federal level, I am an original co-sponsor of a bill that would gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. But it’s been nearly twelve years since Congress raised the federal minimum wage. I am proud that New Jersey is once again leading the way and not waiting on the federal government. Raising the wage will help New Jersey’s working families prosper.”
“There can be no understating what this means – a stronger, more vibrant New Jersey for all of its residents,” said Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman. “Raising the state’s minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by 2024 won’t just help workers, it will lift our entire economy by allowing those individuals to be consumers again. It means workers can afford the goods and services offered by New Jersey businesses. It means more customers at the small businesses on main street. It means more of our communities thrive. The tireless work of the governor and legislature will make New Jersey a model for the nation and the federal government.”
“There should be an expectation in this country that anyone who works full time deserves to live above the poverty line,” said Rep. Tom Malinowski. “I’m proud to represent a state that’s leading the way.”
“Raising the minimum wage to $15.00 an hour will dramatically improve the lives of over a million New Jerseyans and their families. It’s a bottom-up investment in our economy that will pay dividends for years to come. After years of trickle-down policies that rewarded the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of working families New Jersey is beginning to tackle the income inequality that plagues our state and our nation as a whole. Thank you to Governor Murphy for signing this legislation and all those, including legislative leadership, the workers and advocates who worked tireless to ensure this bill made it to the Governor’s desk. This is a great day in New Jersey,” said Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director, New Jersey Citizen Action.
“Last fall, we announced a $15.00 minimum wage for all hourly employees in the U.S.,”said Brian Huseman, Vice President of Public Policy at Amazon. “Since then, employees have told us they’re having an easier time providing for their families and meeting their financial needs. That’s why we called on other companies and policymakers to join us in this endeavor. We applaud Governor Murphy for his efforts to raise wages for New Jersey’s entire workforce.”
“No family in New Jersey can live on our current minimum wage,” said Giovana Castaneda, Make the Road NJ youth leader. “Today, New Jersey takes a historic step forward by signing a law that will raise the minimum wage across the state to $15.00, finally giving working families the compensation we deserve. This victory is a sign of the power of the Fight for 15.00. As a teen worker who fought hard with young people across the state not to be left behind, I am proud that teen workers are included in the minimum wage hike. Our work has value and contributes to our families’ income and allows us to save for college. We are thrilled to welcome Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin to our community center to sign the law, and are grateful for their leadership.”
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Fire Company is holding a “Fish or Chicken and Chips” Fundraiser on Friday, March 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Price includes one plate of either fish or chicken with chips and coleslaw, and one can of soda or bottle of water. Children meals are fish sticks or chicken fingers with fries. Take out or dine in.
For tickets, email [email protected] or call (973) 652-0851 from Noon to 9:00 p.m.
Rainbow Lakes Fire House is located at One Rainbow Trail, Denville.
PARSIPPANY — It all began in 1967. As legend goes, Oscar Riedener, vice president and design director at Tiffany & Co., sat down for lunch with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozzelle in New York City, and made a sketch on a cocktail napkin. The two men started a collaboration that would last more than 50 years and one that would create the most coveted trophy in sports history: the Vince Lombardi trophy. The first trophy was awarded on January 15, 1967 – 52 years ago.
The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy
The winning team receives permanent possession of the Vince Lombardi Trophy, a sterling silver trophy created by Tiffany which is presented annually to the winner of the Super Bowl. The original trophy was produced by Tiffany in Newark. Tiffany’s Parsippany location manufactured the Trophy from 1967 to 2016. Starting in 2017 the trophy is produced at Tiffany’s Forrest Hills manufacturing facility in Cumberland, Rhode Island.
The Vince Lombardi Trophy was on display in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building, during Mayor Mimi Lett’s term.
The trophy was named for the late Vince Lombardi before Super Bowl V. The trophy is a regulation-size silver football mounted in a kicking position on a pyramid-like stand of three concave sides.
Height: 22 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Value: $25,000
The only company Rozzelle contacted was Tiffany, which brought in the company’s design chief, Riedener, a native of Switzerland who knew nothing about football. Reidener went to FAO Schwartz and bought a football that he put on his kitchen table. The next morning he grabbed a box of Cornflakes, poured them into a bowl, and stared at the football while eating.
Upon finishing his Cornflakes, he took a pair of scissors, started cutting the empty box, and transformed it into a trophy base atop which the football could sit.
Over lunch a couple of days later with Rozelle and a delegation from Tiffany’s, Riedener drew a sketch of his design on a cocktail napkin. Rozelle liked it and it continues to be the design of the Lombardi Trophy over 50 years later.
Comedian Teddy Daniels headlined the successful event
PARSIPPANY — The food was delicious and the laughs were plentiful at the Second Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Comedian Night held on Saturday, January 26 at the Boonton Elks. Boy Scout Troop 72 worked very hard in helping preparing the food, serving and cleaning up.
The room was packed with guests waiting to see the comedians from the Comedy Shoppe featuring Teddy Daniels, KP Burke and Joe Conte.
Special thanks to the sponsors: IHOP – Parsippany, Cedar Knolls, Perfect Pitch, QuickChek, ShopRite of Cedar Knolls, CSW Catering, Wreaths by Retta, Vera Bradley, Zerega, Samantha Jachs Cakes and Pastries, Donna Wojcik, Eccola, Lucy Ellicott – Avon, Boy Scout Troop 72 and Hounds Town.
KP Burke performingBoy Scout Troop 72Sandy Knowle and Nicolas LimanovBoy Scout Troop 72 serving the saladBoy Scout 72 serving the pasta and meatballsThe cooks preparing the delicious dinner
PARSIPPANY — Successful Mary Kay Distributor Doreen Brennan is the guest speaker at the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce “Lunch Dozen Networking Series.” This series will be held on Wednesday, February 13 at 12:00 Noon. Cost for this event is $15.00 and includes lunch, from a selection of items.
Doreen will discuss some techniques that may help you in those face-to-face networking interactions and proper techniques to make your networking successful and gain new customers. Networking will help you develop and improve your skill set, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development.
During lunch and you will have a one-on-one conversation with Doreen Brennan on her success in networking.
Reserve your seat today by clicking here, as there are a limited quantity available.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents and volunteers that provides education, information and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. For more information call (973) 402-6400.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of Lake Hiawatha held a pizza party for the second place winners of their 2018 Scarecrow Contest. The troop is Daisy Troop 97442 from Eastlake School. Their leader is Marissa May.
The Plescia Family: Michael, Susan, Joseph and David
PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy Little League East will be officially dedicating the T-ball field to the Plescia family during their Opening Day, to be held on Saturday, April 6, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Joe and Sue Plescia have given so much of their time to the league and the town and it’s kids over the years in so many ways.
Joe has held many positions at P.T.E. Including League President. To this day he assists in any way possible and is an incredible resource to our board and me as President.
On top of that Joe and Sue have also given the league two other incredible resources David and Michael Plescia these two young men have given so many hours, days, months and years of their time to make Par-Troy Little League East the best place in town for our children and families.
David is our resident Key Master, Security System Designer, Grounds Crew Liaison giving as much time as he can when he is not out building race cars! Michael has taught so many of our children the right way to play the game sharing his never ending passion for baseball with as many kids as possible. His knowledge of the rule book has also kept our league going in the right direction for many years. “There are so many more superlatives I can use to describe this family but I’ll save them for opening day,” said PTE President Chris Mazzarella.
Par-Troy Little League East invites all to come out on Opening Day and help celebrate the Plescia family by giving them a small token of appreciation for all they have done for our league and our community.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — In February of 2019 with the opening of RegeneSpine at 197 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 210, in Cedar Knolls, comes a new approach to treating patients who are suffering from painful spine and joint conditions.
Dr. Stephen J. Roman, a triple board certified Medical Doctor, having been a senior partner for 15 years with Trenton Orthopedic Group, is the Medical Director of the RegeneSpine, Regenerative Spine and Joint Institute. According to Dr. Roman “The use of regenerative medicine in the treatment of spine and other musculoskeletal conditions is a paradigm shift. We once had to rely on the tools available to us such as steroids, addictive medications, and surgery. With the advent of regenerative medicine we can now use a patients’ own cells for healing.”
Dr Roman utilizes techniques including the use of patient’s own blood products such as platelet rich plasma (PRP). He is also making use of patients’ own fat for the treatment of arthritis as well as patients’ bone marrow which includes mesenchymal stem cells. He reports that he prefers to offer patients minimally invasive treatments prior to considering more invasive or surgical procedures.
He goes on to say “My 15 years of experience working in an orthopaedic practice has shown me what works for patients. Unfortunately, like so many other new treatments, insurance carriers and Medicare do not yet pay for regenerative treatments.”
Dr. Roman states “I am happy to be back in Morris County where I grew up and I am very excited to be working alongside regenerative experts at the New Jersey Regenerative Institute including Drs. Gerry Malanga, Jay Bowen, and Tom Agesen.”
To determine if you are a candidate for these new regenerative cell-based therapies, click here or contact RegeneSpine at (973) 387-1044.
Members of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes RegeneSpine to the community
NEW JERSEY — Tyson Foods a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 36,420 pounds of chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.
The panko chicken nugget items were produced on November 26, 2018. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF only)]
5-lb. plastic packages of “Tyson WHITE MEAT PANKO CHICKEN NUGGETS” with a “BEST IF USED BY” date of “NOV 26 2019,” case code “3308SDL03” and time stamps 23:00 through 01:59 (inclusive).
The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-13556” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.
The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of extraneous material in purchased Panko Chicken Nugget products. FSIS was notified on January 29, 2019.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website by clicking here.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Tyson Consumer Relations at 1-888-747-7611. Members of the Media with questions about the recall can contact Worth Sparkman, Senior Communications Manager with Tyson Foods, Inc., at (479) 290-6358.
Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Greater Morris County Junior Schools Wrestling Tournament took place on Saturday, January 27 at Frelinghuysen Middle School.
Tyler Costello came in first place
For the first time since 2005 Brooklawn Middle School placed second place overall as a team headed up by Coach Jason Lodato.
Coach Lodato began his coaching career in Parsippany in 2000 where he coached at Parsippany Hills High School until 2014 at which time he began coaching at Brooklawn Middle School.
When Coach Lodato began coaching at Brooklawn middle school there were only twelve wrestlers in the program; This year the team has grown to 43 boys and girls. Since Coach has been at Brooklawn he has “Worked very hard to rebuild the program”
“Participation has increased every year. This year we had 43 boys and girls. Every fall I come to the school and talk with the kids about what an extraordinary sport wrestling is and how much fun they will have learning the skills, setting personal goals, competing and making new friends,” said Coach Lodato.
Ben Ucab, came in fourth place
“During the past two years I’ve been very fortunate to have Coach Aric Imhoff (a former PHHS/Brooklawn wrestler) volunteering his time to work with the wrestlers,” said Coach Lodato.
Max Sullivan came in fourth place
The key to our recent success is getting the boys/and girls as much mat time (practices and matches) as possible. The only way to learn is to get out there and do it. At Brooklawn we focus on the fundamentals, becoming a better overall athlete, trying our best, and having fun.
“My goal is to introduce wrestling and its benefits to as many kids as possible, with the hope they will stay with the sport through High School and beyond,” said Coach Lodato.
Brooklawn’s second place finish can be attributed completely to Coach Lodato and the his wrestlers.
Below is a list of the wrestlers who placed in Saturday’s tournament:
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County has joined with six other New Jersey counties to support a New Jersey Association of Counties challenge to the state’s mail-in ballot initiative that has put the burden of paying for the handling, printing, postage and other costs squarely on the fiscal shoulders of county taxpayers.
NJAC, in a filing with the New Jersey Council on Local Mandates, contends state government violated the New Jersey Constitution by requiring county clerks and elections staff to undertake a comprehensive voting initiative without including any state funds for the effort.
That unfunded mandate cost county government across the state more than $1.5 million in 2018, with the bill expected to rise in coming years. The new law cost Morris County an extra $170,000 in 2018.
Morris County mailed out more than 37,000 vote-by-mail ballots in 2018 compared to about 6,000 in previous elections.
Morris County Freeholder Director Douglas Cabana
“This all came about due to an executive order by the Governor and with no thought of the financial strain it would put on counties,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “The state did not allocate money to county governing bodies to offset the costs associated with implementing and administering the new law in violation of the state Constitution.’’
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi
The Morris County Board of Freeholders unanimously passed a resolution earlier this month opposing the mandate and authorizing NJAC to act on its behalf. Other counties backing this action include Atlantic, Cape May, Hudson, Hunterdon, Monmouth, and Somerset.
“I fully support the efforts of the Freeholder Board and NJAC to deal with these fiscally burdensome requirements,’’ said Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi. “As we come up on the next Presidential Election in 2020, this could become an even more difficult and costly situation.’’
Grossi noted that NJAC has the support of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey on this issue.
The state Constitution prohibits state government from requiring units of local or county government from implementing additional or expanded activities with providing funds for those actions. The State Council on Local Mandates is empowered to resolve any disputes on whether a law, rule or regulation constitutes an unfunded mandate.
On August 10, 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law (P.L. 2018, C72) that stated that any qualified voter is entitled to vote use a mail-in ballot in the 2018 or any future elections, including general elections, held in the state.
The act further required that all qualified voters who sought a mail-in ballot in the 2016 Presidential Election should receive vote-by-mail ballots in perpetuity — for all future elections. This was required even if voters did not request mail-in ballots for the 2018 election cycle.
It also mandated that County Clerk’s Offices prior to the 2018 general election send written notices to all vote-by-mail voters informing them they will receive vote-by-mail ballots for all future elections unless voters send a request in writing to end the practice.
Only a request in writing from a voter can stop elections officials from sending them mail-in ballots for all future elections, everything from Presidential elections to fire district elections.
As a result of this new law, counties’ elections offices have incurred personnel costs, and contracted costs with outside vendors for printing services, postage, and supplies such as stickers and labels.
NJAC is asking the State Council on Mandates to enjoin the state from enforcing this new law in all future elections.
County College of Morris President Tony Iacono and The Promethean student designers Emily Ambrosi of Denville, Matthew Wotasek of Hackettstown, faculty advisor Kathleen McNeil, student designers Dhrupa Patel of Parsippany and Margaret Koenig of Mount Olive, and Freeholder Director Doug Cabana
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has issued a resolution to County College of Morris Professor Kathleen McNeil in recognition of her years fostering the talents of young designers as the faculty advisor of the award-winning student literary magazine The Promethean.
Additionally, the freeholders awarded county certificates of congratulations to four student designers who produced the 2017-18 edition of The Promethean, selected by Graphic Design:USA as a winner in its American Inhouse Design Awards contest.
The competition pits the student publication against 5,000 entries submitted by professional designers from around the world. The award continues a decade-long streak of national recognition for the magazine, garnering numerous awards from Graphic Design:USA.
The awards are considered a barometer of success in the graphics design and advertising fields. Student recipients were:
Emily Ambrosi of Denville, student designer and cover photographer/illustrator
Margaret Koenig of Mount Olive, student designer,
Dhrupa Patel of Parsippany, student designer
Matthew Wotasek of Hackettstown, student designer
Among those present for the awards were CCM President Anthony Iacono and trustees Joseph Weisberg, Jeffrey M. Advokat, Thomas Pepe and Paul Licitra.
Professor McNeil developed a unique course curriculum for production of The Promethean to immerse CCM students in design development and professional practices not commonly taught in classrooms.
In addition, to serving as advisor for the magazine, she teaches design courses at both CCM and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
The American Graphic Design Awards is the largest showcase for original work created by graphic designers. This is the 13th year in a row that the Promethean has received an American Graphic Design award from GraphicDesign:USA.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer E. Elston observed a 2018 Dodge Ram 1500 fail to properly signal a lane change and conducted a motor vehicle stop on Sunday, January 27 at 5:25 p.m.
Officer Elston spoke to the driver, Lee Christiansen, 36, Wharton, and passenger Justin Sarno, 31, Parsippany, who initially gave officers a false name.
After a brief investigation, officers determined that they both had active warrants for their arrest.
Mr. Christiansen was also found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle. They were both placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.
Mr. Christiansen was charged with Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
Mr. Sarno was charged with Hindering Apprehension, a Disorderly Persons Offense.
They were both transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending their initial court dates.
Editor’s Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief of Police Andrew Miller announces the arrest of a New York male on drug charges on Tuesday, January 22 at 12:16 a.m.
Patrol Officer J. Garza conducted a motor vehicle stop on 2009 Honda Accord after he observed numerous motor vehicle violations on Route 46.
He made contact with the driver, Huascar Lamarche, 38, Flushing, New York. Officers R. Taylor, J. Seeger, and E. Elston arrived on scene to assist.
After a brief investigation, along with assistance from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Mr. Lamarche was found to be in possession of approximately 11 pounds of suspected marijuana, 52 cartridges suspected to contain Hash Oil/THC, and a large quantity of gift cards from various stores. He was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. He was charged with the following:
• One count of Third Degree Manufacture, Distribute, or Dispense or Possession with the intent to Manufacture, Distribute or Dispense Hashish
• One count of Second Degree Manufacture, Distribute, or Dispense or Possession with the intent to Manufacture, Distribute or Dispense Marijuana
• One count of Third Degree Money Laundering
• One count of Fourth Degree Possession of CDS (Marijuana)
• One count of Fourth Degree Possession of CDS (Hashish)
• Slow Speeds Blocking Traffic, a Traffic Offense
• Obstructed Windshield, a Traffic Offense
• Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle, a Traffic Offense
Lamarche was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.
Editor’s Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — The 11th Hour Animal Rescue will host their “Third Annual Trivia Event? on Saturday, February 23 at Lake Hopatcong Elks Club, 201 Howard Boulevard, Mt Arlington.
There are two seatings available: Brunch Seating: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Brunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. followed by Trivia Game) and Dinner Seating: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. followed by Trivia Game)
Tickets: $25.00 Brunch Seating and $30.00 Dinner Seating.
Includes Trivia Game hosted by Joe Trivia and either brunch buffet or dinner buffet with coffee, tea and dessert. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Bring a team of up to eight friends or allow us to match you up with a team. Seats are limited and available on a first-come first-served.
Prizes for the winning team. Tricky Tray and 50/50 Raffle* *Must be at least 18 years old to participate.
MORRIS COUNTY — Representatives of the Burlington County Sheriff’s and Prosecutor’s Offices want to replicate Hope One, an innovative mobile substance abuse recovery vehicle launched in April 2017 by Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon to help fight opioid and heroin addiction.
Hope One, which in the past 21 months has logged more than 6,000 contacts with individuals struggling with addiction or their families and friends, was parked Monday outside the Netcong Train Station, where Sheriff Gannon met with four law enforcement officials from Burlington County.
Hope One already was replicated by the Newark Police Department in December and earlier by the Cape May Prosecutor’s Office and Monmouth and Atlantic County Sheriff’s Offices.
Burlington County Sheriff’s Office Chief Mike Ditzel said he heard Sheriff Gannon speak about Hope One at a New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association meeting last fall, admired the concept, and believes Burlington County can be successful with the same proactive approach.
“This could potentially be a great addition to other programs we have, including youth programs to help stop addiction before it starts,” said Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Investigations Darren Anderson.
“We bring services to the client, out in the field,” Sheriff Gannon told the Burlington County officials. “It’s successful because of relationships we have with the service providers.”
Sheriff Gannon noted that 3,118 people statewide died of overdoses in 2018, a 15 percent increase over 2017 but Morris County saw a 1 percent decrease in overdoses in 2018 from the previous year. There were 84 deaths attributed to overdoses in 2018 in Morris County.
The sheriff related to the Burlington officials how a father approached the Hope One vehicle on Jan. 7 with a story of concern that his son, just home from a rehabilitation center, would relapse. The father was trained by Hope One staff to administer Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses the effects of opioids, and given a canister to bring home. He found his son unconscious from an overdose in their home the same day and was able to revive him with Narcan, the sheriff said.
There’s a cascading impact on families, the children, parents, spouses and siblings of addicts, Gannon said.
Since April 3, 2017, when Hope One made its debut on The Green in Morristown, the vehicle has made about 270 stops in locations throughout Morris County that statistics show are populated by at-risk people and where drug overdoses are occurring. Sheriff Gannon said 200 people who boarded Hope One in search of services were transported to treatment for mental health issues or to detox centers and treatment facilities for their substance abuse addictions.
Hope One was staffed during the visit by Burlington County officials by Morris County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Erica Valvano in plainclothes; Kelly LaBar, a peer recovery specialist for Morris County CARES; Madine Despeine, director of Self Help, Advocacy and Education for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris; and Ashley Reed, a care navigator for Family Promise of Morris County.
In nonjudgmental style, the staff offer literature, resources, Narcan training, coffee, water, hand warmers and snacks to visitors to Hope One, and are equipped to immediately help individuals find treatment for their addictions.
The Hope One vehicle used to be a Sheriff’s Office SWAT truck that was stripped of law enforcement emblems and painted white and purple, the color symbolizing recovery. Hope One parks Mondays and Thursdays for about five hours in selected locations where at-risk people are known to congregate.
PARSIPPANY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill was named Chair of the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. The subcommittee is empowered with investigative authority on all matters concerning non-defense federal research.
“Federal research is vital to the innovation that drives our local economy and global competitiveness,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “I am proud to lead the subcommittee in support of the independence and integrity of science and scientists advancing the fields of energy, space, and transportation.”
The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee has jurisdiction over non-defense federal research and development, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It also has jurisdiction over research and development at the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
