PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has announced that it has successfully acquired a 5.4-acre property on Knoll Road, the Kosut tract. This significant purchase, completed on June 12th, marks the final property acquisition needed to secure the project area, surrounded by over 11 acres of existing Township open space. The Township plans to implement conservation activities and establish a new passive Township park on the site, further enhancing the community’s green spaces.

The acquisition, valued at $1.9 million, was made possible through the generous support of various funding sources. A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres matching grant and two grants from the Morris County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund contributed a combined total of $1,450,000. The Township’s Open Space funds covered the remaining balance, showcasing a strong local commitment to land preservation and community improvement.

The Kosut tract is located on Knoll Road across from the Boonton Reservoir (the Jersey City Reservoir). The property surrounding the Kosut Tract is already owned by the Township and makes up the 11.1-acre Fieldfair Property. The Kosut Tract is the final parcel of land required to complete the Fieldfair Property. The acquisition of the Kosut Tract has been a long-time goal of the Township.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library launched a partnership with coLAB Arts to produce oral histories and photo essays documenting the local and immigrant experiences of the Asian community. With the support of a Morris County Heritage Commission re-grant award, oral histories, and photos were created and will be displayed at a public exhibition hosted by the library. The library will host a reception for this project on Wednesday, July 10th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The photographer for this project is Shravya Kag. Shravya is a queer, brown photo and video documentarian based in Brooklyn, New York. Born and raised in Vijayawada, India, she moved to Brooklyn in 2015 and received a Master’s in Photography from the School of Visual Arts. Captivated by oral histories and how they can shape a culture, her work is an exploration of home, identity, and personal space, mainly focusing on the intimate and interpersonal stories of people of color and queer people. Shravya’s work has been internationally commended and exhibited at locations such as Somerset House London, Photoville, and Art Space NYC and featured in publications like Vogue India and NY Times.

All oral histories will be annotated by coLAB Arts’ research team with support from Professor Karen Pechilis, Professor of Religious Studies and NEH Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Drew University. Annotation research is intended to provide historical and social context for the oral history collection through sourcing policy, legislation, and journalism. The finished project will serve as an open-source archive for researchers, policymakers, and storytellers who wish to understand Parsippany’s immigrant experience better.
This project is meant to directly benefit the community reflected in its stories, to provide an increased sense of place and identity, and to facilitate conversations around what makes Parsippany a resilient and safe space for immigrants to create a home.
 
Photos can be viewed by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey’s youth suicide rate is lower than the nation’s, but it has unfortunately trended up over the last decade, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn said.

A new report required under legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and cleared by an Assembly committee this week focuses on the causes contributing to the increase.

“To significantly reduce and hopefully eliminate youth suicides in New Jersey, legislators need to understand better why it is happening,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “Do we need more mental health support in schools? Should pediatricians screen teens for suicide risk? How many children had increased suicidal thoughts while taking antidepressants? These are questions that I am hopeful this report will help answer so that we can reach kids sooner, get them the right help, and save lives.”

The bill (A3198) directs the state’s health commissioner to work with the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Human Services, and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to study the causes of youth suicide and associated risk factors like mental illness and substance abuse.

Ninety-four New Jersey youth ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death among that age range in the Garden State, Dunn said.

“Every year, thousands of young people end up needing emergency or inpatient care because of a suicide attempt, but oftentimes there are red flags like social isolation or increased anxiety before a person needs a crisis-level intervention,” Dunn said.

Of the youth who died by suicide in the state between 2017 and 2019, 70% were known to be struggling with mental health issues, problems at school, suicidal ideation, and more. Eleven percent disclosed their suicide intent to another person before acting, Dunn said.

Dunn said that after the study, the health commissioner will issue a report that includes recommendations for legislation or regulatory changes to address the causes.

“Recognizing who is at increased risk, the reason why, and the contributing causes will help create successful safety nets and prevention plans,” Dunn added. “Making sure parents are aware of the warning signs and all the available treatments, as well as their benefits and risks, is important, too.”

Dunn noted how the FDA started requiring a black box warning on the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in 2004 to alert doctors that children and teens taking that type of drug might be prone to thoughts of suicide.

According to a mental health industry watchdog organization, 15,840 New Jersey children and teens between the ages of 0 and 17 in 2023 were prescribed antidepressants under Medicaid.

“New Jersey needs a bigger picture, which will be provided through this comprehensive report, to ensure the right programs and information are offered in the right places at the right times,” Dunn said.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate among young people ages 10 to 24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.

Formal action may or may not be taken.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here for the 2024 calendar.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

PARSIPPANY — The North Beverwyck Road Streetscape Project will begin on or after Wednesday, June 26, and run Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The initial area affected will be between Claudine Terrace and Lake Shore Drive.

Phase 1 Details:

• Water Main Replacement: The first part of Phase 1 involves replacing the water main, expected to take approximately 4-5 weeks. This will cause a lane shift for northbound traffic from Claudine Terrace to Lake Shore Drive.
• Traffic Detours:
  • Northbound Traffic: Vehicles from Route 46 into Lake Hiawatha will experience lane shifts.
  • Southbound Traffic: A detour will begin at the intersection of North Beverwyck Road and Lake Shore Drive. Vehicles will turn right onto Lake Shore Drive, left onto South Roosevelt Ave, and end at Vail Road.
  • Commercial Trucks: Southbound commercial trucks will be directed to turn left onto Lake Shore Drive and end on Vail Road. Detour routes are designed to minimize traffic issues and accommodate larger turn radiuses needed for trucks.

Additional Information:

• Detour Signage: Clear signage will be posted throughout the area to guide traffic.
• Speed Enforcement: Officers will be present to enforce speed limits and ensure safety.
• Monitoring and Adjustments: The detour routes will be reevaluated and may be modified as needed to address traffic issues. The impact on residential streets will be closely monitored for traffic violations.

Please be aware of the changes and plan your routes accordingly. We greatly appreciate your cooperation and patience during this project.

A public meeting was held on May 24 to alert business owners to the project. At that time, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Frank Cahill presented grants available to enhance local businesses. Grants up to $50,000 are available to improve the exterior and interior of the business or purchase new equipment. For new companies, rent grants are also available. Contact Cahill at (973) 559-6000 for more information on available grants.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, June 22, Morris County Pride held its annual pride festival at the County College of Morris, located at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. This family-friendly event aimed to support visibility and local LGBTQ+ programming and care.

The festival, produced by Morris County Pride, featured various entertainment-based activities designed to foster visibility, acceptance, inclusion, education, and resources for the LGBTQI+ community in Morris County. Visitors contributed to a meaningful cause by participating, as all donations and funds raised directly supported the specialty programming and services at EDGE New Jersey, New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ and HIV+ community center.

EDGE New Jersey is dedicated to responding compassionately and responsibly to those living with HIV, those at risk, and the LGBTQ+ communities. The organization provides a range of supportive services, including housing opportunities, prevention strategies, and education, all aimed at enhancing the community it serves. Its vision is to empower individuals to achieve healthy, safe, and self-sufficient lives, thereby enabling them to positively influence their communities.

The Morris County Pride festival exemplifies EDGE New Jersey’s mission and vision by creating a supportive environment where community members can come together, celebrate diversity, and work towards a more inclusive society.

At the Pride Festival held at County College of Morris, attendees could visit the Navigating Hope van. This mobile outreach unit provided invaluable assistance, allowing individuals to:

• Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other essential assistance programs
• Get connected to health and wellness resources
• Receive support for issues related to domestic violence, aging, WIC, and EITC
• Access a wide range of other vital services

The Navigating Hope van ensured that festival-goers had access to the support and resources they needed, reinforcing the event’s commitment to community care and inclusivity.

Pride Month is celebrated annually in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, which was a pivotal event in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. The uprising began as a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid that took place at the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village.

Zulfal Health, known for its comprehensive healthcare services, played a significant role at the Pride Festival at the County College of Morris. As a dedicated participant, Zulfal Health provided essential health screenings, wellness information, and resources tailored to the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Month is a time for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate their identities and experiences. It provides an opportunity for the community to express pride in who they are, free from stigma or shame. It highlights ongoing issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for equality, legal protections, and societal acceptance. Events and activities during Pride Month often focus on educating the public about LGBTQ+ rights and history.

The first Pride marches were held in 1970, on the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Over the years, these marches evolved into broader celebrations and protests, incorporating a variety of events and activities designed to support and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Month is celebrated in many countries worldwide, although the timing and form of celebrations may vary. In some countries, Pride events may face legal or social challenges, but they continue to symbolize the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights globally.

By celebrating Pride Month, communities worldwide work towards greater acceptance, equality, and recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals while remembering the significant historical events that laid the foundation for these movements.

For more information on EdgeNJ, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) stood up for New Jersey consumers by supporting the Shrinkflation Prevention Act, legislation preventing corporations from deceptively selling less of a product without lowering the price accordingly. Sherrill’s support is part of her ongoing work to lower everyday costs for New Jersey families.

“We’ve all felt the disappointment of opening a bag of chips and finding out that it’s mostly full of air – and that’s not an accident. Large corporations have gotten away with charging more and selling less for too long while New Jerseyans foot the bill. Tackling this issue of shrinkflation is a big step in stopping inflation at the supermarket. That’s why I am proud to support the Shrinkflation Prevention Act to lower prices at the grocery store, hold large corporations accountable, and make sure Garden State families get a fair shake,” said Rep. Sherrill.

The Shrinkflation Prevention Act is led by Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) and Chris Deluzio (PA-17) in the House, and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) in the Senate. The legislation would:

• Direct the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations establishing shrinkflation as an unfair or deceptive act or practice prohibiting manufacturers from engaging in it.
• Authorize the FTC and state governments to pursue legal actions against corporations who unlawfully engage in shrinkflation.

Since taking office, Sherrill has fought to lower prices and make the Garden State more affordable for families. She helped to successfully pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which lowered the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and expanded access to clean energy tax credits. She voted to pass the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act through the House, which would boost support for American farmers, expand competition in the meat industry, and make new investments in biofuels. 

After passing the CHIPS and Science Act to strengthen American supply chains and reduce the cost of cars and electronics, Sherrill also introduced her American Jobs and Competition Plan to address unfair economic practices by the Chinese Communist Party and level the playing field for New Jersey businesses. She has also led legislation to cap childcare costs at 7% of families’ income and to provide tax relief to New Jerseyans by repealing the SALT deduction cap.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) introduced a resolution to express support for the federal “Equal Representation Act,” which would modify the apportionment of United States Representatives and electoral college votes based on the population of United States citizens.

“Appropriating representatives to the United States Congress based on citizenship is the only formula that allows for accurate representation in our federal government,” said Pennacchio. “It is imperative that the right of each American citizen to receive equal representation in government is protected from dilution.”

More than 10 million people have illegally entered the United States under the tenure of President Biden, which, according to current estimates, has increased the total population of illegal immigrants in the United States to more than 20 million people and the total population of noncitizens to more than 30 million, Pennacchio said.

“The noncitizen population is so large that if they were all located in one state, it would be apportioned 40 congressional districts and 42 electoral votes in presidential elections. In no world does that echo the sentiment of equal representation,” Pennacchio said.

The United States House of Representatives introduced H.R. 7109, known as the “Equal Representation Act,” on January 29, 2024, and passed the bill on May 8, 2024. Enactment of the bill would ensure that the allocation of congressional seats and electoral votes among the states would be apportioned based on the United States citizen population and would not be diluted by the country’s noncitizen population, said Pennacchio.

Additionally, Senator Pennacchio has introduced companion legislation that would protect the process of redistricting New Jersey’s legislative seats by only counting New Jersey citizens during that process.

PARSIPPANY — NJ Sharing Network (NJSN), the non-profit organization responsible for recovering donated organs and tissue in the Garden State, recently presented Volunteer Recognition Awards to residents for their outstanding efforts in supporting its lifesaving mission. The awards were presented during NJ Sharing Network’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Reception at its headquarters in New Providence.

“Volunteers are the heart of our mission. They help strengthen our public education efforts, encouraging more people to say ‘YES’ to save lives by registering as organ and tissue donors,” said Alyssa D’Addio, Vice President of Hospital and Community Services, NJSN.

Donate Life Group Leader Award presented to Cathy Cerbo, Owner of Cerbo Lumber.
NJSN’s Donate Life Groups (DLG) bring together local advocates and volunteers to take action and educate their communities about organ and tissue donation. The Donate Life Group Leader Award recognizes a DLG member who has energized grassroots efforts to support NJSN’s lifesaving mission.

• Cathy Cerbo took an active lead in the Morris County DLG in 2016. Her father, Nick Cerbo, started the group after receiving a lifesaving heart transplant. Cathy kept the group active and energized throughout the pandemic and is continually developing creative ways to attract new DLG members.

Community Hero Awards were presented to Lakisha Bray of Plainfield and Rudy DiGilio of Washington.
Volunteers are key in NJSN’s community outreach and public education efforts. The Community Hero Awards are presented to individuals who have gone the extra mile in sharing our lifesaving mission.
• Lakisha Bray of Plainfield is a powerful and resilient woman who is spreading the importance of organ donation through her story of losing her daughter and sister. Lakisha’s daughter, Talea, was born with cerebral palsy and passed away just before her 21st birthday. Talea was able to save three lives with her donations. Just six months later, Lakisha’s sister Tabitha died while waiting for an intestinal transplant. Lakisha has become a powerful advocate for NJSN’s mission to honor their memories.
Are key. Rudy DiGilio of Washington, NJ, was inspired to support NJSN after donating one of his kidneys to his brother. Since becoming a volunteer in 2018, he has represented NJSN at countless community events. He has also conducted speaking presentations at local high schools, businesses, and the Liberty Science Center.

Youth Volunteer Awards were presented to Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange and Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway.
NJSN’s youth volunteers add energy and creative ideas to our outreach projects and activities. The Youth Volunteers of the Year Awards are presented to local high school students who go the extra mile to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in his/her school and local community.
• Lavarra M. Hines, Jr. (LJ) of West Orange has been a youth volunteer for over ten years. LJ was inspired to get involved with NJSN after his godfather passed away, and he became an organ donor. LJ created an NJSN 5K Celebration of Life team in memory of his godfather. As a student at Newark Academy, LJ has helped coordinate NJSN presentations in the school’s driver’s education courses for the past two years.
• Dhivyasree Manimaran of Piscataway has been volunteering for NJSN since middle school. She is now a key Piscataway High School’s Donate Life Club member and will serve as the club’s president in the 2024/2025 academic year. Dhivyasree has helped grow the DLC’s student membership and has been instrumental in community awareness events throughout the year.

Jim Rhatican Legacy Award presented to Richard Hayes of Monroe Township.
The Jim Rhatican Legacy Award is named in memory of longtime NJSN volunteer Jim Rhatican, a liver transplant recipient who shared his story of hope with students, teachers, and parents as part of NJSN’s High School Heroes Program. The award recognizes a volunteer who has made a powerful commitment to educating local students about the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor.
• Richard Hayes of Monroe Township has been a key volunteer for NJ Sharing Network since 2011. As a liver transplant recipient, Richard has made powerful presentations to over 5,000 students about registering as organ and tissue donors to help save and enhance lives.

Wrapped In Love Volunteer Award was presented to Diane Borman of Summit
NJSN’s Wrapped in Love program provides beautiful handmade shawls and blankets to families who have said ‘YES’ to organ and tissue donation as a tangible expression of comfort and compassion. The Wrapped In Love Volunteer of the Year recognizes an individual who has dedicated his/her time and talent to crochet or knit creations that express love and support for our donor families.
• Diane Borman of Summit has been a Wrapped in Love volunteer since 2010. She has expressed her caring spirit and creativity by making hundreds of beautiful blankets for organ donor families. She has also shared her knowledge with other volunteers to help them create blankets and shawls.

NJSN National Impact Award presented to Sam Prince of North Caldwell
NJSN’s powerful lifesaving message travels far beyond the borders of New Jersey. The NJSN National Impact Award recognizes an individual who has delivered our lifesaving message to nationwide audiences.
• Sam Prince of North Caldwell was born with multiple congenital heart defects. For the first seven years of his life, Prince thrived as best as he could, undergoing numerous surgeries and surviving on medication. Finally, he received a lifesaving heart transplant when he was 8 years old. For more than a decade, Sam has been a powerful and well-recognized advocate for NJSN. He became internationally recognized as the New York Giants “superfan” who stole the show during the 2022 NFL Draft. Thanks to Make-A-Wish America, Sam joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on stage in Las Vegas while presenting the Giants’ No. 5 overall pick, Kayon Thibodeaux. Prince won over fans worldwide with his animated personality and now viral interaction with Thibodeaux.

Community Partner Award presented to AbbVie, Inc.
Partnerships matter! NJSN’s Community Partner Award honors the invaluable contributions of a local organization or corporation that has helped produce amazing results within NJSN’s public education efforts.
• AbbVie, Inc. played an important part in NJSN’s Back-to-School Supplies Drive to benefit students in need in Camden and Paterson. AbbVie employees saw an opportunity to rally together and make a difference in the lives of local children by ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey. Their generous contributions included notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, calculators, and more. Rachel Schott and Valerie Phillips of AbbVie, Inc. accepted the award.

NJ Sharing Network, headquartered in New Providence, is a federally designated non-profit organization focused on saving and enhancing lives by recovering donated organs and tissue in the Garden State. NJ Sharing Network partners with an extensive network of 54 local hospitals to provide hope for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and it is part of the national recovery system for the over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list. For five consecutive years, NJ Sharing Network has reported organ donation records and 3.8 million New Jerseyans are registered as organ and tissue donors, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). Among the top-performing OPOs in the nation, NJ Sharing Network has been recognized by NJBIZ for six consecutive years as one of the state’s ‘Best Places to Work.’

Click here to learn more, get involved, and become an organ and tissue donor in the National Donate Life Registry.

MORRIS COUNTY — National nonprofit organization Petco Love celebrates June as National Foster a Pet Month to inspire communities to get involved and support their local animal shelters by temporarily fostering pets. Created by the organization in 2019, June is National Foster a Pet Month, and it encourages people to foster a pet ahead of the most challenging summer months when animal shelters are overrun.

“Shelters across the nation are in crisis. And loving, happy, healthy pets are at risk of being euthanized simply due to lack of space. Pet fostering is the answer to eliminating unnecessary euthanasia of shelter pets. If just 2% more of the 87 million pet-owning households fostered just one pet a year, we could end euthanasia in America’s shelters tomorrow,” said Petco Love President Susanne Kogut.

Kogut attributes the lifesaving success of a mid-sized shelter she led almost 20 years ago to their robust fostering program that increased pets in foster care by over 600%. She is also a dedicated pet foster, having fostered over 500 pets. “Fostering is easier than people think,” said Kogut. “I encourage more people just to try it. Whether you foster for a short time or until a pet is ready for adoption, you will give that kitten, cat, puppy, adult dog, or senior pet, a break from the shelter. Allowing them to experience your love and home will make all the difference, especially if that pet faces euthanasia. Fostering saves lives.”

Young pet lover Sophia Gillen, 16, from Mountain Lake, heard the foster a pet message loud and clear. Inspired by Petco Love’s Foster a Pet Month, Sophia created a petition urging New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to prioritize pet fostering. Sophia’s advocacy led Governor Murphy to declare June as Foster a Pet Month in the state, marking a significant step in the nationwide effort to prioritize fostering pets.

Sophia’s journey began as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, fittingly named “Phenomenal Foster Pets.” After eight months of dedicated communication with the governor’s office, her passion and perseverance resulted in this important recognition. She also created a fun lesson to teach scouts of all ages about the importance of fostering, how to advocate for shelter dogs and cats, and how to earn a one-of-a-kind pet fostering patch.

“I want to inspire other Girl Scouts and young advocates to take similar actions in their states,” said Sophia Gillen. “Many animals can be saved when state leaders commit to animal welfare. I hope to see Foster a Pet Month recognized across all 50 states.”

“Sophia is an imposing young woman,” said Kogut. “Her drive and commitment to animal welfare at such a young age are truly inspiring. We are excited to highlight her achievements and support her goal of expanding this initiative nationwide.”

In May, Morris Focus featured Sophia Gillen. Click here to read the article.

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently hosted its 9th Annual Touch a Truck event on Saturday, June 15th. The event occurred at Liquid Church in Parsippany and featured over 50 vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, construction vehicles, cranes, motorcycles, and more. This family-friendly event allowed children to explore various vehicles and meet community heroes like police officers, firefighters, and first aid volunteers.

In addition to the impressive vehicle displays, the event offered a variety of activities, such as hot air balloon rides, live performances by Exit Row, child ID services, dog adoptions, and food trucks. It also featured a helicopter flyover, which added an element of excitement for attendees.

The Touch a Truck event is a significant fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, supporting its numerous initiatives to enhance the lives of children and communities. The club expressed gratitude to the many sponsors and participants, including local businesses and organizations, who contributed to the event’s success.

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.