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Leslie Miller promoted to Deputy Clerk

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Deputy Clerk Leslie Miller, Township Clerk Khaled Madin and Former Councilman William Clark (Leslie's Dad)

PARSIPPANYย โ€” At a recent Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting, Leslie Miller was promoted to Deputy Clerk by Township Clerk Khaled Madin. Former Councilman William Clark, Leslie’s Dad, performed the Oath of Office.

Miller grew up in Parsippany and graduated from Parsippany High School. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Seton Hall University. She is certified as a Registered Municipal Clerk and a Certified Municipal Registrar.

In addition to being the Deputy Clerk, she is also the Registrar of Vital Statistics.

“Leslie Miller has been instrumental to the success of the Clerkโ€™s office.ย  Ms. Miller is professional and pleasant in her demeanor with the residents; she is truly an exemplary employee and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is lucky to have employees like Ms. Miller, said Township Clerk Khaled Madin.

Mayor Michael Soriano said “Leslie has always been known as a hard-working and dedicated township employee.ย  Her promotion to Deputy Clerk was a clear choice, and Iโ€™m very proud that she will continue to serve the residents of Parsippany with the same poise and determination sheโ€™s demonstrated for years.”

Miller has been with Parsippany-Troy Hills for 16 years. She began her career in the Tax Department then was transferred to the Mayorโ€™s office under Mayor Luther; She published the Township newsletters and promoted various Township events. She was also in the Purchasing Department for two years and have been in the Clerkโ€™s office for eight years.

“It has been an honor and a privilege working with Leslie. During my time on theย township council she has always been very helpful not only to myself andย the other council members but also to the residents of Parsippany. Her promotion to Deputy Clerk is very well deserved,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.

Miller said “I have gained a vast knowledge of the workings of municipal government through my years with the town. This knowledge and understanding has helped me grow as an employee and has given me the opportunity to assist residents and coworkers to the best of my abilities. It is also a great honor to serve in the same office where my father was once a member of the Township Council and served the residents of the town.”

Reminder: Renew your dog license by January 31

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parsippany focus
Oliver was adopted from a high kill shelter

PARSIPPANY โ€” Parsippany residents are reminded that all dogs in the township are required to be licensed each year. The deadline for licensing your dog, seven months or older, is January 31. According to state statute a dog must be registered within ten days of such acquisition or age attainment.

Click here to download an application to apply for a dog license.

Licenses may be obtained in person at the office of the Township Clerk, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Licenses may also be requested by mail, addressed to the Township Clerk, at the above address, by enclosing the proper fee, current rabies vaccination certificate and/or prior yearโ€™s license, and a self-addressed, stamped return envelope.

The fee for spayed/neutered is $15.00 and non-spayed/neutered is $18.00.

All licenses expire on December 31 and must be renewed in January of each year. Licensed renewed after January 31 require a $5.00 late fee.

There is no fee required for Seeing Eye dogs. According to Township Ordinance potentially dangerous dogs the fee is $150.00. If you need a replacement registration tag the fee is $2.00. To transfer registration tag (optional) is $2.00. The turn-in fee for sick or unwanted dogs up to 20 pounds is $25.00; Twenty-one pounds to 50 pounds is $45.00 and over 50 pounds is $65.00.

Rainbows For All Children International Program Offered

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MORRIS COUNTY โ€” Rainbows For All Children is a peer support program for children who have experienced grief through a death or divorce in the family.

Winter registration is now being accepted. Sessions start February 5, and continue every Tuesday through April 30.

The meetings are held at Saint Francis Residential Community Center from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm, 122 Diamond Spring Road, Denville.

Small groups are formed for children ages four years and up.  There are no fees to parents.  Call Diane Thormann at (973) 627-2134 or Wendy Spector (973) 625-3352 for registration information.

Brianne Partington Named to Dean’s List at Lebanon Valley College

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parsippany police
Rachael Bozza and Brianne Partington (File photo)

PARSIPPANYย โ€”ย Brianne Partington of Mount Tabor is one of 700 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.

Partington, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is pursuing a bachelor of arts in music business at The Valley.

Lebanon Valley College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts and humanities, business and communications, education, health professions, social sciences and psychology, and science, technology, engineering, and math.

Advanced health professions degrees include a master of athletic training, a master of speech-language pathology, and a doctor of physical therapy. Online and graduate programs include an MBA with four concentrations and a general option offered on-campus or partially or fully online, a Master of Science in STEM Education, an Integrative STEM Education Certificate, a Master in Music Education, and a Modern Band Certificate.

In 2018, the College was listed as #1 in the country for graduate job placement by the career guidance site Zippia.com, using federal data. The 357-acre campus is in Annville, Pa.

Aimee Osterman named to Dean’s List at York College

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Aimee Osterman

PARSIPPANY โ€” Over 1500 students were named to the Dean’s List at York College of Pennsylvania. To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

Aimee Osterman a sophomore Early Elementary Education major is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and was aย Camp Counselor atย Harbor Hills Day Camp.

Located in south central Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 50 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences and humanities to its 4,100 undergraduate students. The College also offers master’s programs in business, education and nursing, and a doctorate in nursing practice.

A center of affordable academic excellence, York is dedicated to the intellectual, professional and social growth of its students.

The College helps them develop a concrete plan to attain academic growth and career success; encourages them to try in the “real world” what they learn in the classroom; and prepares them to be professionals in whatever career they pursue.

CCM Holds In-Person Registration for the 2019 Spring Semester

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RANDOLPHย โ€”ย Thereโ€™s still time to enroll for the Spring Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). The college will be holding five in-person sessions this month for students interested in registering for classes. These sessions are offered on a walk-in basis. Students, however, first need to apply to the college before they can register for classes.

The in-person sessions take place in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center, Room 121, on CCMโ€™s Randolph campus, 214 Center Grove Road, during the following dates and times:

  • Saturday, January 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  • Monday, January 14, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, January 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 17, from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.

The Spring Semester begins Friday, January 18. Several mini-term sessions also are offered after that date.

Students can apply to the collage online by clicking hereย or by visiting the Admissions office. The Admissions office can be contacted at [email protected] or (973) 328-5100.

At CCM, students can choose from more than 45 academic degree programs and a wide range of certificate programs. In addition, the college offers more than 125 transfer agreements to simplify the process of applying credits toward a bachelorโ€™s degree. A listing of those agreements can be found by clicking here.

Mt. Tabor Fire Department donates old “gear”

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PARSIPPANY โ€” Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1 recently donated their old gear that they โ€œretiredโ€ due to age for Mt. Tabor firemen and due to tighter budgets in other areas, they were happy to donate this equipment to the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department in Warren County.

Some of the items includedย ten pants, five helmets, thirteen jackets, twelve masks, three pairs of boots and three safety harnesses.

The Mount Tabor Volunteer Fire Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire District #1 has been serving the citizens of Parsippany since June 11, 1910.ย  During that time they have seen many changes, from using hand pulled and operated hose carts to the latest fire apparatus with the highest level of technology possible.

Some of the services they provide are fire suppression, vehicle and train extrication, basic hazardous materials mitigation response, and Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC) for neighboring departments.

Some of the items includedย ten pants, five helmets, thirteen jackets, twelve masks, three pairs of boots and three safety harnesses

Oxford Volunteer Fire Department is an independent fire department.ย  Which means, that unlike most of the fire companies in the State of New Jersey, they are not a service provided byย the Municipality or a Fire District.ย  The fire department is privately owned by its membership as a not for profit corporation (as defined by 26 USC ยง 501(c)).

SO, what all that means is, thy run the fire department as a business.

AND, just like any other business, they have to meet their expenses to stay in business.ย  Things like buying fuel, insurance, tools, vehicles, repairs, licenses fees and… well, you get the picture… it’s all their responsibility.

Acting Governor Oliver Signs Financial Literacy Education Bill

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File Photo
Shiela Oliver

TRENTONย โ€”ย  Acting Governor Sheila Oliver signed legislation (A-1414) requiring school districts to provide financial literacy education to middle school students in grades six through eight. The financial literacy instruction will emphasize budgeting, saving, credit, debt, insurance, investment, and other issues associated with personal financial responsibility to ensure New Jerseyโ€™s youth have access to the tools and foundation needed for sound financial decision-making.

โ€œFinancial responsibilityย is anย importantย acquired and learned life skill and with the increasing financial challenges millennials face,ย it is a skill that must be a necessary part of our educationalย curriculum,โ€ said Acting Governor Sheila Oliver. โ€œGovernor Murphy and I are happy to partner with the Legislature by signing this bill today to help New Jersey students learn how to effectively manage their personal finances and help set them up for success in life.โ€

Primary sponsors of the bill include Senators Dawn Marie Addiego and Ron Rice; and Assembly members Angela McKnight, Nicholas Chiaravalloti, Eliana Pintor Marin, Jamel Holley, Benjie Wimberly, and Annette Quijano.

โ€œI am delighted the financial literacy bill was signed into law, so students can receive education on key topics that they will need for the rest of their lives,โ€ said Senator Addiego. โ€œWe must reach people early on in life so they can plan ahead and build a foundation of financial knowledge that will help them live an independent lifestyle.โ€

โ€œOne of the most important lessons a person can learn is how to manage their money. Many young people go into adulthood knowing little about finances, and end up making decisions that cost them in the long run,โ€ said Assemblywoman McKnight. โ€œTeaching our kids early about the importance of managing their money and making sound financial decisions can prevent them from making costly mistakes and set them on the right financial path.โ€

โ€œThis bill would allow financial education to be infused into currents subjects, helping younger students in Jersey City and across the state get a head start on understanding the very things that will impact them every day,โ€ said Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop. โ€œLearning about credit, investing, savings and other financial aspects are critical tools to building a foundation and setting our students up to succeed. Financial literacy is already being taught at the high school level, and weโ€™re excited to expand this to younger students at the start of the new school year in September.โ€

Acting Governor Oliver signed the bill at President Barack Obama Elementary School โ€“ PS 34 in Jersey City.

Multi-Million Dollar Personal Injury Settlement

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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY – Kaufman, Semeraro & Leibman Partner Mark J. Semeraro and associate R. Scott Fahrney have secured a $2.3 million total settlement in a personal injury action on the behalf of their client Stefanida Sloan in the matter Sloan v. Sussex County and Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., et al.

Mark J. Semeraro Esq.

This lawsuit was filed as a result of a serious head-on collision where Ms. Sloan was struck in her lane of travel, on County Road 565 in Wantage, New Jersey on September 4, 2014.

At that point in time, Ms. Sloan was struck in her lane of travel by uninsured motorist, Matthew Giamanco.ย  That road had recently undergone micro-resurfacing and the County and its contractors had opened it to the public, without any temporary lines on the road surface and without providing compliant traffic control devices in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

While the contractor and Sussex County argued against any wrongdoing, Kaufman, Semeraro & Leibman, LLP retained the appropriate professionals to provide expert testimony that the County and contractor failed to follow the mandates of the MUTCD, and their failure was a contributing factor to the accident and Ms. Sloanโ€™s injuries.

Ultimately, on the eve of arbitration, the Defendants agreed to settle for $2.2 million, without admitting liability.ย  In addition, Ms. Sloanโ€™s own insurance carrier contributed $100,000.00 in uninsured motorist benefits, for a total settlement of $2.3 million.

If you or anyone you know has suffered serious personal injuries in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, construction site accident, please contact Mark Semeraro at (973) 585-6254.

State of New Jerseyโ€™s Tax Amnesty Program Ends January 15

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TRENTONย โ€”ย The New Jersey Division of Taxation reminds taxpayers to take advantage of the New Jersey Tax Amnesty program as the January 15 deadline is fast approaching.ย Tax Amnestyย provides individuals and businesses with the opportunity to pay back taxes or file past returns with no penalties and reduced interest, but Tax Amnesty payments must be paid no later than January 15.

Signed into law in July 2018, the New Jersey Tax Amnesty launched on November 15, 2018. The program applies to outstanding tax filings or payments that are due on or after February 1, 2009 and prior to September 1, 2017. Benefits to Tax Amnesty include waived penalties such as late filing and late payment, and one-half of the balance of interest due as of November 1, 2018.

โ€œThousands of New Jersey taxpayers have already taken advantage of the benefits of the Tax Amnesty program but time is running out,โ€ said John Ficara, Acting Director of the Division of Taxation. โ€œWe strongly urge anyone who qualifies for amnesty to take advantage of the program by the January 15 deadline, to avoid incurring greater penalties.โ€

Taxpayers who do not take advantage of Amnesty before January 15 will incur a five percent penalty that cannot be waived or abated. This is in addition to all other penalties, interest and other costs authorized by law.

In November, the Division of Taxation mailed a letter to all taxpayers who are known to have amnesty-eligible deficient and/or delinquent accounts. In addition, an extensive outreach program has been undertaken to reach as many taxpayers as possible.

For more information, New Jersey taxpayers or their representatives may contact Taxation representatives at 1-800-781-8407 Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or click here.

NY Giants General Counsel Will Discuss Careers in Law for Teens

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MORRIS COUNTYย โ€” The Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants, William J. Heller, Esq. will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of Explorer Post 22.ย Young men and women, ages 14-20, who are interested in careers in Law are invited to attend.ย They will meet on Saturday, January 12ย  from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Patriotsโ€™ Path Council, 1 Saddle Road in Cedar Knolls.

Mr. Heller will speak on legal issues such as contract negotiations for players and coaches; licensing, sponsorship and vendor agreements; human resources, workers compensation and privacy issues; legal issues related to operation of MetLife Stadium and Quest Diagnostics Training Center (the Giantsโ€™ Training Facility).

This meeting is free but space is limited.ย  Please register by clicking here.

Law Explorer Post 22 is chartered to the Morris County Bar Foundation.ย Post advisors Andrew Jacobs, Esq. and Linda Mainenti-Walsh, Esq. lead monthly meetings and invite guest speakers including judges, prosecutors, and attorneys practicing in fields such as criminal, family, environmental, immigration, and intellectual property.

Exploring is Learning for Lifeโ€™s career education program for young men and women who are 14 to 20 years old.ย  Exploring’s purpose is to provide real world experiences to help young people decide what field, or area within a field, they will pursue as their career.

For further information please contact Al Thomas, District Executive at (973) 765-9322ย ext. 229.

All You Can Eat Riblets & Chicken Tenders are Back at Applebeeโ€™s and Even Better with Double Crunch Shrimp

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Applebee's is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center

PARSIPPANYย โ€”ย ย The famous, mouth-watering, All You Can Eat Riblets & Chicken Tenders returns to Applebeeโ€™sยฎ restaurants nationwide, but thatโ€™s not all โ€“ this all star cast also features Double Crunch Shrimp. This new Applebee’s All You Can Eat Riblets, Chicken Tenders & Double Crunch Shrimp menu starts at just $14.99 for your favorite meats plus a side of Coleslaw and All You Can Eat Classic Fries. Hurry in, because this unlimited feast will only be around for a limited time. Applebee’s is located at 1057 Route 46, Troy Hills Shopping Center.

โ€œOur All You Can Eat Riblets & Chicken Tenders limited time offer was a smashing success in 2018, and weโ€™re excited to bring it back to kick off 2019, but weโ€™ve made the guest-favorite even better with the addition of our incredible and delectable Double Crunch Shrimp,โ€ said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer at Applebeeโ€™s. โ€œIn 2019, Applebeeโ€™s is the trusted place to cure your most insatiable appetites!โ€

Donโ€™t want to make the difficult choice between all three? You donโ€™t have to! Enjoy plate after plate of seconds, thirds, and even fourths, with the option of mixing and matching. Start with Riblets, Chicken Tenders, or Double Crunch Shrimp on your original order, and switch to another once you refill.

Of course, it isnโ€™t an Applebeeโ€™s All You Can Eat deal without the sauces. Enjoy your Applewood smoked pork riblets with a sweet Honey BBQ sauce, your juicy tenders perfectly drenched in Honey Dijon, and your golden-brown shrimp drizzled with a choice of cocktail or tartar sauce. Hungry yet?

We know, this sounds too good to be true, but it is. Check out this video trailer, then visit your local Applebeeโ€™s before this incredible offer is gone!

Price and participation may vary by location. Offer valid per person, per order. Void where prohibited. Tax and gratuity excluded. Dine-in only.

About Applebee’sยฎ Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar offers a lively casual dining experience combining simple, craveable American fare, classic drinks and local drafts. All Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to serving their local communities, and offering quality food and drinks with genuine, neighborly service. Applebee’s is one of the world’s largest casual dining brands; as of September 30, 2018, there were 1,875 Applebee’s franchise restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 13 other countries. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.

Janey Smith donates hair to make wigs for cancer patients

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Janey Smith donated her hair to Children with Hair Loss

PARSIPPANYย โ€”ย Janey Smith, 13, donated her hair for the fourth time in seven years.ย  This was her longest donation thus far, over 12 inches.ย  The hair is being donated to Children with Hair Loss – they make and send wigs to children suffering from hair loss free of charge.

Janey is a seventh grader at Brooklawn Middle School. Her hair was cut by Denise Mariani of @gabantigirlglam in Denville.

Janey first donated when she turned six, a kindergarten student at Littleton School. She did it in memory of her grandmother who passed away before Janey was born (she is named after her). Her grandmother lost her hair due to chemotherapy while undergoing cancer treatment.ย  Janey is proud to continue her donations and grew her hair extra long this time so a wig can be made for a little girl who is dreaming of having long hair.

Janey Smith donated her hair to Children with Hair Loss

Morris County Preservation Trust: Morristown Doubles Size of Preserved Footeโ€™s Pond Park

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Footes Pond

MORRIS COUNTY โ€” An 11-acre surplus parcel from the Loyola House of Retreats is being permanently preserved as an addition to Morristownโ€™s Footeโ€™s Pond Park, it was jointly announced today by the Trust for Public Land, Morris County, the state Green Acres Program, and Morristown.

This acquisition will nearly double the size of the popular park and, with the planned enhancement of the trail system, should add to the attraction of this open space, located just a mile from the bustle of the Morristown Green.

The Morris County Preservation Trust, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protectionโ€™s Green Acres Program, and Morristown all contributed to the $2.1 million purchase. Morristown will own and manage the property.

โ€œWe are excited to have helped preserve another great resource for the community in Morristown,โ€ said Greg Socha, Senior Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land.

The Loyola property has been a priority for conservation for many years. It was highlighted as a preservation opportunity in the townโ€™s 2011 Open Space Plan.

In addition to its enhancement of Footeโ€™s Pond Park, the tract โ€“ which is located in the headwaters of the Great Swamp watershed — also is an important element in local watershed protection.

Preventing future development at this location will eliminate potential impacts to an already stressed watershed, and the open space will offer important groundwater recharge.

Freeholder Christine Myers

โ€œThe high quality of life in Morris County is directly connected to the preservation of open space, as well as farmland and historic properties, financed by residents of Morristown and the entire county through funding specially dedicated for these purposes,โ€™โ€™ saidย Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers.

โ€œOpen spaces in Morristown and across the county are used to create parks, connect trails, offer recreational opportunities for our residents, help our environment, and ensure that we have green spaces in each of our towns as places to think or breathe,โ€™โ€™ Myers added.

Footeโ€™s Pond Park is a popular spot for local wildlife observers, birders and photographers. Currently, the property is open to the public and can be accessed at the trailhead off James Street, near the Thomas Jefferson School.

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities. To learn more about The Trust for Public Land, visit www.tpl.org.

For more information on the Morris County Preservation Trust click here.

Pennacchio Calls on US Senate to Condemn Sens. Kamala Harris and Mazie Hironoย 

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Senator Joe Pennacchio

MORRIS COUNTY โ€” State senator Joe Pennacchio is calling on the United States Senate to condemn U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-California) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii)ย in light of reports that the two Democratic Senators made anti-Catholic and bigoted commentsย during their review ofย Brian Buescherโ€™s judicial nomination to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska.

Pennacchio also questioned why New Jerseyโ€™s U.S. Senators, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, who represent a large Catholic population, have yet to speak out.

Senator Joe Pennacchio calls on U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris and Mazie Hirono to resign, for making anti-Catholic, bigoted comments during their review ofย Brian Buescherโ€™s judicial nomination to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska. (Wikimedia Commons)

During the hearing, U.S. Sens. Harris and Hirono insinuated that Buescher would not be able to rule fairly and impartially because he is a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, a highly-respected Roman Catholic charitable organization.

โ€œReligious intolerance and bigotry of any kind has no place in the halls of government,โ€ Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. โ€œI have yet to hear either of our U.S. Senate representatives condemn these remarks. Their silence is deafening. No one should be excluded from serving in the judiciary because of their faith.

โ€œRoman Catholicism is the second largest religion in the United States, and the Knights of Columbus is an honorable service organization that has given back to millions of people. This is not a cause for concern and insinuating otherwise is irresponsible and misleading.ย Make no mistake โ€“ the attack on the Knights of Columbus was an attack on the Church itself.

โ€œThe U.S. Senate should formerly condemn Senators Harris and Hirono immediately and their colleagues in Congress should speak out against their conduct. As a Catholic and an American, I am absolutely appalled. It seems that being anti-Catholic or anti-Semitic has become politically-chic, and we should all be alarmed.โ€

Pennacchio noted that this is not the first time Catholic judicial nominees have been attacked by Democratic U.S. representatives.ย In 2017, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) levied similar anti-Catholic attacksย against judicial nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.

Sen. Pennacchio also noted thatย in 2011, Governor Christie and members of the Legislature on both sides of the aisle rallied to support a Muslim judicial nominee who was being attacked for his faith.

Pennacchio emphasized that Catholic judicial nominees who are qualified and worthy of serving on the bench should be given the same support.

โ€œWe should all be concerned about the rise of bias in this country. The hateful rhetoric must come to an end and we should shed light on anyone who is spewing hate, regardless of their party affiliation or the faith they are attacking. It is no more acceptable to attack someone for being Catholic, than it is to attack someone for any other religious belief.โ€

Letter to the Editor: Parsippany Played Unnecessarily by RD Lawsuit

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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Parsippany Played Unnecessarily by RD Lawsuit in Waterview Rezone What R2018-188 actually makes transparent. What is the settlement however not mentioned.

Let us begin back in back in July 2013 with a Parsippany Focus article, after the Council No Rezone vote. โ€œThis is a disgruntled developer,โ€ said John Inglesino, Parsippanyโ€™s Township Attorney, looking over at Robert Kasuba, the attorney from the Bisgaier Hoff law firm representing RD Realty, โ€œwho didnโ€™t get their way.โ€

Most shocking, was when the Judge finally got RD Realtyโ€™s attorney to confirm that the lawsuit is, in fact, based on legal arguments that have no basis in existing law or judicial decisions.

The point here is: the RD Realty lawsuit is as weak as it is obnoxious! It has no support in the legal case law or statutory precedent. Given its inherent weaknesses, Parsippany stands an excellent chance of having the case dismissed on the merits once it files its motion for summary judgment.

This leaves the open question as to why not just buy all 26.6 acres using Open Space Funds?

How could John Inglesino state all this, and then dismiss without prejudice, and never advocate for the 26+acre open space promise?

Recently some transparency was allowed the public in the ongoing lawsuits initiated by RD developer beginning in 2013. We must remember what actually occurred and did not. In October 2013 after massive public opposition and a final Council No Vote on the rezone, then Mayor Barberio in front of hundreds promised that waterview landscape would become open space. RD then initiated a lawsuit, not against the open space rights of Parsippany citizens, but that they had a right to enforce the Federal Fair Housing Act, and law against discrimination.

Judicial Estopple by RD Realty. Real Issue Open Space not housing

At this time the Christie Administration had forgone the COAH requirements and the issue was given to the higher courts. This action by RD November 15, 2013 should have amounted to a โ€œjudicial estoppelโ€; taking a position in a case that is contrary to a position it has taken in earlier legal proceedings. The facts here have three aspects

(1) RD was complicate in using affordable housing as a fear tactic, along with our then attorney John Inglesino in support. The shopping mall was seen as an alternate to prevent the COAH type housing.

(2) The real issue after the Council No Vote was the promise made by mayor Barberio to have waterview landscape made open space, at no time did Par-Troyโ€™s lawyer argue this right of the citizens to preserve the environmentally sensitive landscape.

(3) the character of Intervale neighborhood had not changed to such an extent as to justify rezoning and that no โ€œpublic needโ€ existed for rezoning. The need was RDโ€™s, not a public need. What was RDโ€™s public need; to avoid public housing to promote their mall?

In short our tax paid lawyer was working against us in favor of the RD mall.

Why without Prejudice? Shows Perfidy by Par-Troy Attorney

Not only did RD attempt to supersede the Higher Courtโ€™s pending decision on affordable housing a frivolous legal position which should have been thrown out of court and objected to by our Attorney, our Attorney then failed to dismiss RD with prejudice, which would have dismissed their claims and set the way for open space. These facts cannot be denied and are transparent in R2018-188 for anyone to see.

Disinformation intention to deceive R2014-102

The other pluses not used by our alleged attorney John Inglesino was that at that time besides our grassroots opposition, no real need for another shopping mall existed, several goals and objectives of our master plan not enforced, Parsippany at the time was in a suspended state of regional master plan conformance since July 2010, which could have been used to enforce the open space. Instead in June 2014 Inglesino ended conformance with R2014-102, as we finally now know, all for false assumptions and deliberately aiding the developer while in service of the taxpayers.

Another hidden truth is that COAH type housing has itself environmental policies which if invoked could have added more defense in waterview. Here are three:

(1) Steep slopes over 15% if regulated by local ordinance, (which the rezone eliminated); (2) land that the town plans to purchase within one year for active or passive recreational purposes;
(3). Floodplains Troy Brook Study. (Waterview landscape scene in its proper scope is actually part of Troy Meadows another element of our Master Plan);

What has this ratable cost us;ย Legal costs for nothing, and $3.7 Million Buffer?

Parsippany taxpayers paid for an attorney that played both-sides and made unnecessary fees for outcomes that favored Inglesinoโ€™s developer friends. His job as attorney was to argue Parsippanyโ€™s Open Space promise and long fought defense of Parsippanyโ€™s Master Plan, not RDโ€™s destruction of waterview landscape which if all available forces were invoked could of most likely acquired waterview for what we paid for a buffer called open space for $3.7 million. (RD did not buy the land until it was rezoned)

Counter Lawsuit Needed!

What we need is another lawsuit to be reimbursed for the rip-off that was carried out against Parsippany taxpayers by the Inglesino Law Firm. This firm did not represent the people of Par-Troy but RD in overcoming every obstacle and hardship they created and we paid for.ย  At the very least Inglesino should not be allowed to practice law in any Highlands Community. ย The $3.7 Million of open space should not be paid, as this โ€œopen spaceโ€ should have been a required non structural stormwater control; zoned so.

R2018-188 stands as a transparent guide to how Parsippany was not represented and how its goals and grassroots achievements were undermined, and were still paying in many ways. It proved Home Rule a farce.
Nick Homyakย 
Lake Hiawatha

Dolores Barbara Del Grosso passed away

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PARSIPPANYย โ€”ย Dolores Barbara (nee-Gorman) Del Grosso, 77, passed away on Sunday, December 30 at Morristown Medical Center.

Dolores Barbara Del Grosso

She was born and raised in Passaic before moving to Parsippany 52 years ago.

Dolores was a Product Assembler for Siemens Building Technologies in Florham Park for many years before retiring. She was also a crossing guard for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.

Dolores was a lifetime member of the Parsippany Ambulance Squad and a member of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3 Ladies Auxiliary. She was born onย March 21, 1941.

Survivors include her children: Jean Del Grosso and her fiancรฉ, Dan Scanlon, Dawn Woodell and her wife, Sue; Victor E., and Christopher J. and his wife, Diane; and by her three cherished grandchildren Samantha Woodell and Victor and William Del Grosso.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Thursday, January 3ย  from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road.

A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. also at Par-Troy Funeral Home, please arrive at 9:30 a.m. Interment: Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad, P.O. Box 6024, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 or Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3, 255 Halsey Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

A Winter’s Day on the Farm at Fosterfield Livingston Historical Farm

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MORRISTOWN โ€” On Sunday, February 3, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., join an exciting, outdoor, family adventure, and experience traditional farm life as it was in the early 20th century at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.

Climb aboard the open-air, tractor pulled wagon for a memorable ride around the farm, and stop by the barnyard to meet the Jersey cows, horses, sheep, and chickens. Learn the importance of ice harvesting and what special tools were used. Pitch in, and help with daily farm chores, such as sawing and working with wood.

Take a break from the chilly, winter air, and visit the cozy Farmhouse where seasonal foods are cooking on the wood-burning cook  stove. Stop by the Visitors Center to make a family-friendly craft, and check out the Transportation Exhibit to see Charles Fosterโ€™s Rockaway carriage and Caroline Fosterโ€™s Model โ€˜Tโ€™ Ford and Hupmobile. Be sure to try out all of the interactive displays!

Admission to this event is $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors (65+), $6.00 for children ages 4 – 16, and $4.00 for children ages 2 and 3, free for children under age twi. Friends members are half price with a current membership card. For more information and directions to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, visit morrisparks.net or call (973) 326-7645.

The Morris County Park Commission features one of the regionโ€™s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

 

Explore Winter Fun in Morris County Parks

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MORRIS COUNTYย  โ€” The great outdoors awaits! Discover the best spots to sled, ice skate, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and more, all right here in Morris County. Make the most of this season, and experience the exciting programs and winter activities the Morris County Park Commission has to offer.

Grab your hats and gloves, and head to the Doe Meadow Hill at Lewis Morris County Park for an afternoon of sledding down one of our largest hills. Cross-country ski through the beautiful trails at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Morris Township and Hedden County Park in Randolph Township, or lace up your skates, and glide across the ice at the flooded, in-line skating rink at Central Park of Morris County in Parsippany.

Looking to try something new? Experience the unique and exhilarating sport of snowshoeing.

Join a guided snowshoe adventure at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Natural Historic Area in Montville Township on select Sundays in January, February, and March. Enjoy a brisk afternoon exploring the beautiful winter scenery and looking for signs of wildlife – all while getting a great workout!

Experts are on hand to help fit your snowshoes and answer questions. If you are an experienced at snowshoeing, or prefer to venture on your own, there are one-day snowshoe rentals available at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area as well.
If indoor ice skating is more your style, check out Mennen Sports Arena, the best three surface ice arena in the area. Donโ€™t have ice skates? No problem, both hockey and figure skates are available to rent.

Embrace one of New Jerseyโ€™s most cherished seasons this winter. There is so much fun, excitement, and adventure waiting for you! For more information, including a full list of outdoor recreational sites and activities, visit morrisparks.net.

The Morris County Park Commission features one of the regionโ€™s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 19,653 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

Discounted Friday Night Skate Nights at Mennen Sports Arena

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MORRIS COUNTYย โ€” Discounted admission for Friday night skating events at Mennen Sports Arena for youth and their families will begin January 4, courtesy of theย New Jersey Coalition for Education and Positive Choicesย in conjunction with Mennen Sports Arena.

The sponsors seek to provide an opportunity for teens and adolescents to have fun with friends in aย safe, chaperoned, healthy, drug- free environment.ย The offer runs through March 8.

Betweenย skate rental and admissionย to a full Friday night skate to the music of DJ Earl, the total cost isย $7.00 per person, discounted from $12.00. The rink is open for skating from 8-10:00 p.m.ย  The box office opens at 7:30 p.m.ย Mennen Sports Arena also has a snack bar and video games which are not included in the admission price.

To get the discounted rate, visit the table staffed by New Jersey Coalition for Education & Positive Choices in the arenaย  lobby. The program is open to Morris County kids of all ages and their families. You donโ€™t have to be a member of the coalition to participate.

Each Friday night will have a different theme with the hope of creating connections, interest in new activities, hobbies and engender career interest.

Theme nights include:

  • Law Enforcement Night:ย Many police departments and law enforcement agencies will be on hand to display equipment, explain its purpose and most importantly, allow our youngsters to meet and greet true heroes.
  • Fire Fighter Night
  • Martial Arts and Fitness Night
  • Dance Night
  • Photo ID Night:ย Morris County Sheriffโ€™s Department will create a free official ID card for any child who would like one.

The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is comprised of law enforcement agencies, educators, elected officials, Scouts, organized sports, musicians, businesses and parents working together to unite our communities in the war against drug and alcohol addiction.

Mennen Arena is located at 161 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.

For more information on the coalition click here.

For more on Mennen Sports Arena click here.

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