To balance the need for consumer protection and crypto innovation, the state of New Jersey has introduced two bills that are similar to one another for consideration. Bill S3694 and A4880 are centered around the ban on cryptocurrency ATMs across the state due to growing concerns about fraudulent activities aimed at leveraging the evolving technologies within this industry.

Although this might sound like a blow to the crypto industry, ATMs constitute a fraction of the vast opportunities available for enthusiasts and investors looking to spend their digital assets. For example, the availability of online industries like e-commerce platforms, software companies, and gaming platforms that accept crypto payments has grown enormously. 

iGaming sites have particularly embraced crypto technology. For those who prefer to gamble at a crypto casino online, these sites offer a variety of perks that traditional online casinos simply can’t match. These include benefits like registrations that don’t require KYC checks, a wider array of games, instant withdrawals, and even anonymous play — traits that even the most advanced online casinos in New Jersey can’t offer. That’s certainly saying something since NJ is one of the few states that offer a legal and thriving iGaming sector.

With the crypto industry now doing well across a multitude of facets, the resilience of crypto in New Jersey and beyond remains likely even if these bills are approved. It will, of course, impact the convenience of withdrawing and depositing funds to crypto wallets for day-to-day purposes. However, there will still be plenty of online ways to use, trade, and pay with cryptocurrencies even with no ATMs around. 

As most Bitcoin ATMs have been a target for fraudsters, state authorities have deemed it necessary to take into consideration their potential effect on the general population. For example, the Federal Trade Commission has reported a surge in scams totaling over $110 million in 2023 alone and $65 million in only the first half of 2024, with a median loss of $10,000 among the elderly aged 60 and above. 

These concerning statistics are one of the core reasons why this legislation has been proposed, making any activities linked to cryptocurrency ATMs illegal. This encompasses elements such as banning the ownership, control, installation, and sale of ATM machines supporting digital assets. These two identical bills propose that enforcement of the stipulated guidelines take place by expanding the scope and legal powers of the Consumer Fraud Act. 

To put this into perspective, violators would be liable for penalties in the form of fines reaching up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for any subsequent violations. Additionally, state authorities will have the legal power to issue cease-and-desist orders as well as punitive damages to victims.

The regulations entailed by the bills clarify its intention of protecting consumers from any potential dangers related to unregulated crypto ATMs that contribute to significant financial losses. Be that as it may, it could be harder for crypto enthusiasts who are tech-savvy and aware of these dangers to use their digital assets as conveniently as they used to. 

Fortunately, the proposed ban on these ATMs doesn’t completely eliminate the innovation of the decentralized finance scene. Private online transactions and crypto gift cards are still some of the primary ways that digital assets can be spent in New Jersey. For Jersey crypto holders, the online electronics scene also offers another great option. 

Secure methods such as digital wallets, peer-to-peer platforms, and crypto exchanges offer a wide variety of ways to transact using decentralized finance instruments without the potential risk of illegitimate ATMs. At the same time, these methods open up broader opportunities to explore other aspects, like NFT marketplaces for investment purposes or merely for entertainment.

These options also work in tandem with the proposed bills since they allow consumers to have access to customer support channels alongside the robust security measures, set as industry standards for these service providers. Ultimately, the use of mainstream crypto platforms minimizes the risk of fraudulent activity and the burden on state agencies tasked to oversee them.

On the other hand, mainstream methods also allow users to have better control over their transactions, empowering them to make informed decisions in a secure environment. As the digital asset field continues to grow and evolve, newer technologies continue making mainstream crypto options more secure and reliable for better consumer protection.

Although there haven’t been significant advancements in the legislative process of enacting these bills, the discussion has opened varying perspectives on the role of decentralized finance and the technologies supporting it. The most important point raised is the need for a delicate balance between consumer protection and the fast-growing innovation of the financial sector.

Advocates supporting the ban of crypto ATMs have applauded the strides taken by state authorities to reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activity perpetrated toward vulnerable persons. Some skeptics aren’t sold on the efficacy of these bills and have raised concerns over the limitations of cryptocurrencies as an important financial tool.

Nevertheless, the proposed legislation shows the increasing concern for better security measures while ensuring that the availability of cryptocurrencies at a broader scale remains unhindered. As discussions continue, state authorities will be under the microscope on the final approach they decide to implement in response to this issue. 

PARSIPPANY — On October 14th, Columbus Day, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio was joined by the Morris County Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 for a special Italian Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall.

Mayor Barberio, along with Sons of Italy President Joe Jannerone and former Council President and Sons of Italy member Mike dePierro, raised the Italian flag following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. The brief but meaningful ceremony concluded with remarks from both Mike dePierro and Mayor Barberio.

“We’ve held the Italian Flag Raising Ceremony since 2012,” said Mayor Barberio. “I am truly proud to be an Italian-American, and I reflect on the tremendous contributions and achievements made by Italians. It’s important to remember where you came from as you navigate through life.”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is currently seeking to recruit entry-level police officers to join their dedicated team. Under the leadership of Chief of Police Richard Pantina, this initiative aims to attract qualified candidates who are committed to serving the community and ensuring public safety.

To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years old but no older than 35 at the time of hiring. A valid New Jersey driver’s license and a minimum of a high school diploma or GED are required. Additionally, candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in Morris County, New Jersey.

The rigorous selection process ensures only the most qualified individuals move forward. It includes a thorough background investigation, an oral interview, and a medical exam that includes both a psychological evaluation and drug screening.

The department is offering prospective applicants the opportunity to become part of an esteemed force dedicated to maintaining law and order in the Parsippany-Troy Hills community. The application deadline is October 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply through policeapp.com.

For additional information or questions regarding the position, applicants can reach out via email to hiring@parpolice.com.

MORRIS COUNTY – The community is invited to join local leaders and officials for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lewis Morris County Park on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., celebrating the opening of two new recreational cricket fields. These fields, designed to accommodate a softball-style version of cricket, will be part of the newly named Russell W. Myers Recreation Area, dedicated in honor of Russ Myers for his contributions to the local parks system.

Key figures expected to attend the dedication include State Senator Joe Pennachio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, members of the Morris County Park Commissioners, and Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) Dave Helmer. Also in attendance will be community members involved in the initiative, including a trustee from the NJ Softball Cricket League, as well as a possible youth cricket group eager to showcase the new facilities.

This event will take place at Lewis Morris County Park, located at 270 Mendham Road, Morristown. Attendees can follow the park entrance off Doe Meadow Road and continue onto Sunrise Lake Road, where parking will be available near the cricket fields. The ceremony is expected to last approximately one hour.

This dedication marks a significant addition to the recreational offerings in Morris County, providing local residents and cricket enthusiasts a new space to enjoy the popular sport.

PARSIPPANY — On September 22, 2024, members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks volunteered at the annual Vet Fest, assisting with setup and presenting a donation of $4,000 to Operation Chill Out, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless veterans with housing and providing winter clothing.

MORRIS COUNTY – The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is hosting the grand opening of its new art gallery, designed to foster community relationships by creating a space for cultural exchange, dialogue, and collaboration among diverse members of the community.

The public is invited to an evening of art, culture, and community as Lakeland Hills YMCA unveils its inaugural exhibition featuring works from the design students of the Morris County Vocational School District on Wednesday, October 16, at 6:00 p.m. The YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road in Mountain Lakes, at the intersection of Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, and Boonton. RSVPs are welcome by emailing Kelly Horvath at kellyh@lhymca.com or calling 973-507-7016.

This is an opportunity to meet the young design artists of Morris County Vocational-Technical High School located in Denville. In June, many of these artists painted a mural on an outdoor storage container used by the Y’s Summer Camp, transforming it into a colorful and eye-catching display.

Alejandro Martinez, Lakeland Hills’ President and CEO, stated, “If you are wondering about the purpose of an art gallery in a nonprofit organization and health and wellness facility, I’m happy to explain. It provides a space for community members to engage with visual arts, enriches the cultural landscape, and fosters a greater art appreciation. This will lead to increased community involvement and support for our mission.”

Martinez continued, “Our art gallery will host educational programs, workshops, and lectures, enhancing the educational offerings for our entire community. We will support local artists, organizations, and other nonprofits. These programs will cater to all age groups and provide learning opportunities in art history, appreciation, and creation. The only limit is one’s imagination!”

Lakeland Hills YMCA will rotate its art exhibitions quarterly and ask the community to nominate future works. Upcoming installations include area schools, senior art, art councils, organizations, art therapy students, and more. The gallery is not limited to specific types or methods.

Just as the artists and their families are invited to the grand opening on Wednesday, October 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., so is the public. Refreshments will be served.

Rosemary Linder Day, the YMCA’s Vice President of Marketing and Membership, remarked, “We are creating a welcoming environment and a gathering place for the community. It demonstrates a commitment to cultural and artistic values. Art is a powerful medium for raising awareness about social issues, highlighting important causes, and encouraging dialogue and action within the community.”

About Lakeland Hills Family YMCA

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our programs and services are designed to promote overall well-being and support individuals and families in achieving their fullest potential. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, October 8, 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

MORRIS COUNTY — The Our Lady of Mercy Health Ministry is hosting the first of a three-part Eldercare Seminar Series on Thursday, October 10th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center. The seminar, titled “When is Assisted Living or Nursing Care Appropriate for My Loved Ones?” will provide essential guidance on managing the challenges of aging and recognizing when to consider additional care options for loved ones.

Kim Klapper of Graceful Aging Services will lead a discussion on strategies for aging with dignity and grace.

Barbara Freda of Genesis Healthcare will focus on identifying signs of dementia and determining the appropriate time to seek further assistance, particularly for individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Both experts will provide valuable information and resources to help seniors and caregivers make informed eldercare decisions.

The series will continue with additional sessions on November 14th and January 9th, addressing other important aspects of eldercare. Whether you’re a senior exploring your rights and options or a caregiver seeking advice, these seminars are designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to plan confidently for the future.

RSVP is encouraged. To reserve your spot, email office@ourladyofmercyparish or call Kathy at (973).428-4996.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from professionals and prepare for future eldercare needs.

Our Lady of Mercy is located at 90 Whippany Road, Whippany.

PARSIPPANY — Nick Ferro, a rising young actor from Parsippany, along with his mother, Denise Ferro, hosted a highly successful Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s this past Sunday, October 6, as they personally served breakfast to the many community members who came out in support of Nick’s acting journey. The fundraiser was held to help fund Nick’s participation in the prestigious International Modeling and Talent Association (IMTA) convention in Los Angeles in January 2025.

With the help of his mother, Nick served up pancakes, sausage, eggs, and beverages to the large crowd of supporters who gathered for the event. The community showed up in full force, and the overwhelming turnout ensured that Nick would be well-supported on his journey to IMTA, where he would have the opportunity to showcase his talent in front of top industry professionals.

“Having my mom by my side, serving breakfast to everyone who came out to support me, made the day even more special,” Nick shared. “We’re both incredibly grateful for the support from the community.”

Nick Ferro’s Journey and IMTA Preparation

Nick’s passion for acting began at the age of eight when he attended classes at Barbizon, a well-known modeling and acting school. Despite a brief pause in his acting endeavors, Nick refocused on his career after graduating from the County College of Morris (CCM). His professional training at LaGuardia Acting School under Joshua Nelson further honed his skills, leading to his first film role in Focus in November 2023, where he played Matt, a supporting character.

Now, with the IMTA convention in sight, Nick is ready to take his career to the next level. The funds raised at Applebee’s will help cover his expenses as he prepares to present his acting talent to agents, casting directors, and managers at the IMTA event.

The success of the fundraiser, along with Nick and Denise Ferro’s hands-on involvement, demonstrates the deep connection between the Ferro family and the Parsippany community, who are all rooting for Nick’s success.

MORRIS COUNTY — People with chronic conditions, such as HIV, are at higher risk for severe flu-related complications and should get a flu shot annually to help prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. This is especially important for those with HIV who are not on antiretroviral therapy (ART), as untreated HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections and certain cancers.

The flu shot offers the best protection against flu each season. People with HIV face an increased risk of not only contracting the flu but also developing other bacterial or viral infections, including pneumonia. With flu activity peaking in winter, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated early in the fall, ideally by the end of October, for maximum protection.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all flu risks, there are effective steps to reduce the chances of illness and flu-related complications:

1. Get a Flu Shot: It’s never too late to get vaccinated, but early in flu season is best. High-risk groups, including people with HIV, should opt for the injectable flu shot, as the nasal spray is not recommended. Flu shots are widely available at no cost in locations such as doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, and workplaces.
2. Take Preventative Steps: Simple actions like frequent hand washing, avoiding face-touching, and staying away from sick individuals can help stop the spread of the flu. If you feel unwell, stay home to avoid infecting others.
3. Consult Your HIV Care Provider if Symptoms Arise: If you think you have the flu or have been exposed to the virus, contact your HIV care provider immediately. Flu antivirals, when started early, can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications. These medications are safe to take with HIV treatments, but always inform your provider about your current HIV medications to avoid potential interactions.

In addition to the flu shot, the CDC advises people with HIV to stay up to date with other vaccines, including COVID-19, Hepatitis A and B, HPV, Meningococcal, Pneumococcal, Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap), and Zoster (shingles). Discuss your vaccine needs with your HIV care provider to ensure you’re fully protected.

For more information or questions about HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, contact the New Jersey AIDS/HIV/STD Hotline, available 24/7, for free and confidential help. Healthcare providers can connect you with free sexual health services in New Jersey: 1-800-624-2377 or chat online.

PARSIPPANY — The 4th Annual FUNdRAISER for the Parsippany Food Pantry marked a milestone for the community-driven initiative. This year’s fundraiser, spearheaded by nine-year-old Vivan Bhattacharya, raised a record $1,800, which was officially handed over to Michele Picone, Director of Health and Human Services at the Parsippany Food Pantry. Picone, clearly impressed by the young organizers’ efforts, stated, “This is a record,” underscoring the success of this year’s event.

For four consecutive years, Vivan has taken the lead in organizing the FUNdRAISER, demonstrating an impressive commitment to supporting the community’s most vulnerable. The initiative has gained momentum each year, with growing participation from local children and support from key community leaders like Mayor James R. Barberio and Councilman Frank Neglia. Both officials attended the event and encouraged the young volunteers, acknowledging the importance of cultivating a spirit of community service in Parsippany’s youngest generation.

One of the standout features of the fundraiser was the conversion of children’s artwork into greeting cards, which were sold to raise funds. This summer, kids from Parsippany, Hanover, and Hillsborough contributed their artistic talents and volunteered their time to support the cause. The two main events—one hosted in Vivan’s front yard and another at the Farmers Market in Veterans Park—served as the focal points for the campaign.

Selling the cards and communicating the mission of the fundraiser to strangers at the Farmers Market was no small feat for the young volunteers. However, their passion and resourcefulness were evident as they successfully attracted donations and explained the importance of supporting the Parsippany Food Pantry.

This year’s group of artists and volunteers included Joey Carson, Veer Sethi, Ryan and Kaitlyn Cooper, Vihaan Mishra, Avi and Arya Lad, Anhik Jena, Sathvikha and Sanjhana Bharanidharan, Amyra Rai, Ashneel and Eishan Kumar, Aishani Saha, Riana Elawadhi, Connor Kaczorowski, Ashmi Mazumder, Prashan Sreehariharan, Shrey Kumar, Kavanveer Singh, Vihaan Kushwaha, and Vivan Bhattacharya.

The event, which began as a fun, small-scale activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now become an annual highlight in the community, growing in size and impact each year. Vivan and the other children involved have demonstrated that age is no barrier to making a difference, especially with the support of generous Parsippany residents, as well as friends and family across the country. Their combined efforts are making a tangible impact on local families in need, with this year’s record-breaking donation serving as a testament to their hard work and dedication.