PARSIPPANY — Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26.
The building will re-open Monday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m.
We hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂
Town Hall Closed on Thursday and Friday
Accreditation Assessment Team Invites Public Comment
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, November 29 a team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will examine all aspects of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Acting Chief Richard Pantina announced today.
“Verification by the team that the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department meets the Commission’s “best practice” standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence”, Chief Pantina said.
As part of this final on-site assessment, employees and members of the general public are invited to provide comments to the assessment team. They may do so by telephone or email. The public may call (973) 263-3663 on Monday, November 29, 2021, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Email comments can be sent to Lt. Yvonne Christiano at ychristiano@parpolice.com
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Lt. Christiano at (973) 263-4337 for information about the standards.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation is requested to email the Accreditation Program Director at hdelgado@njsacop.org or write the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department must comply with NJSACOP LEAP standards in order to achieve accredited status. Chief Pantina indicated, “Accreditation results in greater accountability within the agency, reduced risk and liability exposure, stronger defense against civil lawsuits, increased community advocacy, and more confidence in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and respond to community needs.”
The Accreditation Program Director for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police is Mr. Harry J Delgado, Ed.S. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies. The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status”, Harry J Delgado stated.
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
The New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through its New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey. For more information regarding the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, please write the Commission at New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12 Marlton, N.J. 08053 or email hdelgado@njsacop.org.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – November 9, 2021
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – November 9, 2021.
Click here to download the agenda.
Representative Sherrill to Hold Telephone Town Hall
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m., Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) will hold a telephone town hall meeting.
Sherrill will be joined by a panel of experts, including special guest Deputy Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration Amit Bose.
The panel will help answer questions directly from residents on topics such as the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the continued efforts to combat the pandemic, and a number of other key issues. The town hall will be held virtually to allow for as many residents as possible to participate.
Residents are invited to register to call in to the telephone town hall at sherrill.house.gov/live.
The town hall will also stream live at 6:00 p.m. directly on Representative Sherrill’s website.
To submit a question ahead of the event, please click here.
DETAILS:
WHAT: Representative Sherrill Telephone Town Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, November 23, 2021
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: sherrill.house.gov/live
2022 Town Planner Calendar Arriving Soon
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s 2022 Town Planner Calendar will begin to arrive in residents’ mailboxes beginning mid-December.
But in the meantime, you can find the electronic copy for next year by clicking here.
You’ll find all the information on Garbage, Recycling and Yard Waste pickups, Public School Closures, and more.
Be on the lookout for the printed Town Planner calendar with coupons and beautiful images of Parsippany hitting your mailbox later in the month of December!
CCM Winter and Spring Registration Now Taking Place
MORRIS COUNTY — Registration is now taking place at County College of Morris (CCM) for the Winter and Spring semesters and there is no better time than now to apply and enroll for classes at CCM. By registering early, students have the best chance of obtaining the classes that best fit their schedules. At CCM students can explore degree options and careers, all while graduating with little to no debt and more financial freedom.
Winterim classes are offered in an online condensed four-week format. These classes are a convenient way to earn some extra credit and stay on track to graduate. Two Winterim sessions are offered at CCM, a four-week session that begins Wednesday, December 22, and a two-week session that begins January 3.
The Spring Semester consists of seven different sessions, providing students with maximum flexibility to move forward with their higher education. The regular 15-week session begins Wednesday, January 19. Several mini-term sessions follow that date. You can find those dates by clicking here.
Along with a wide range of degree options, CCM also provides numerous non-credit certificate programs and professional development courses to fast-track a career. To view, those programs click here.
The first step for all new students who want to take credit courses, whether degree-seeking at CCM or visiting from another college, is to submit an online application by clicking here.
The Admissions office also can be reached at admiss@ccm.edu or (973) 328-5100. Walk-ins also are welcomed. The Admissions office is located in the Student Community Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Once your application is completed, you will be notified by email on how to register for classes. Also, be sure to apply for Financial Aid to see if you might be able to attend college for free.
Winterim and Spring Semester class schedules are available online through Titans Direct by clicking here. Titans Direct is frequently updated and offers the most up-to-date course information.
Don’t delay. Get started today on becoming part of a nationally ranked community college committed to your success.
Parsippany to Celebrate Hanukkah
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills will celebrate Hanukkah and hold a menorah lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1 at Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
The event will feature songs and spoken word as residents and civic and spiritual leaders pay tribute to the Festival of Lights.
For more information, call (973) 539-8549 or (973) 828-3125.
Councilman-Elect Musella to set Office Hours
PARSIPPANY — Councilman-elect Justin Musella announced that once sworn in, he will be instituting regular office hours to assist residents to navigate issues in cooperation with Town Hall.
“I believe that representing hard-working taxpayers begins from the ground up. By making time for residents to voice their concerns or even just make suggestions, we can ensure that Town Hall is more responsive to problems that otherwise would go unnoticed” said Musella, adding “While I have strong confidence in Mayor Barberio and his plans to revitalize our local government, I want to ensure that the mistakes of the past four years are not repeated, namely those of ignorance toward issues that everyday residents face.”
Information on location and times for office hours will be announced after the inauguration day.
Veterans Day: In Honor of All Who Served
PARSIPPANY — Mother nature must love our Veterans as she provided a perfect day for Parsippany to honor those veterans with a proud, moving, and respectful celebration, always held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to note the armistice between the U.S. led Allied nations and Germany at the end of World War I.
A great crowd of approximately 150 veterans, families, and friends came out to participate in the observances. Also in attendance were County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Mayor-elect James R. Barberio, Councilwomen Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Paul Carifi, Councilman-elect Justin Musella.
Council President Michael J. dePierro, a veteran, did a great job officiating over the ceremony, proudly wearing his service cap and a VFW jacket. Presentation of Colors by the Color Guards of both the American Legion Post 249 and VFW Post 10184 was an impressive start, followed by an invocation by Pastor Jeff Edwards of the United Methodist Church of Parsippany, the National Anthem, beautifully sung by Parsippany resident, Aimee Beth Wolosin. The pledge of allegiance, led by Parsippany Councilman Paul Carifi followed, Councilman DePierro made his introductory remarks and introduced Parsippany Mayor Michael A. Soriano.
The mayor’s welcoming address was warm and sincere and truly captured the moment. Most notable was his genuine pride and admiration as he recounted some of his 94-year-old grandfather’s experiences as a veteran of the Korean War, and as a man whose life was shaped by those experiences and hardships. It was evident that his grandfather, Pablo Melendez, who the mayor described as a tough but kind man, was certainly a great influence on our mayor. The speech was received with an appreciative ovation by the assembled crowd.
After some brief remarks by Navy Veteran and Military Veteran Liaison Willy Tolba, who was representing Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, the Parsippany High School Choir provided a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.”
The solemn but beautiful, Laying of the Wreaths”, came next following a “Prayer of Remembrance” by Rabbi Moshe Rudin of the Congregation Adath Shalom. Parsippany resident Jeff Dickerson fired off one Canon Salute and Emily Young, a Parsippany High School student, played Taps, followed with our High School Choir performing the Coast Guard Hymn: Semper Paratus.
As he does every Veterans Day, Councilman DePierro read a poem that perfectly fits this occasion; “Just a Common Soldier,” a touching and moving tribute to all our veterans.
As the ceremony approached its conclusion, the crowd was treated to a beautiful rendition of “America the Beautiful” sung by Parsippany resident Michele Musolino. Rev. Donald A. Bragg, Pastor at Parsippany Presbyterian Church, gave the Benediction. Councilman dePierro concluded the ceremonies with the “Retirement of Colors,” again by American Legion Post 249 VFW Post 10184.
Remember Veterans Day is a day to express gratitude to America’s service members, past and present, who served in both war and peace. It is important to celebrate this occasion to honor those veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
DeCroce Push to Increase Annual Payments to Disabled War Veterans Advances
PARSIPPANY — In advance of Veterans Day, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce’s measure to increase annual payments to blind and other wartime-service disabled veterans was unanimously approved by the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Monday.
Under the bill (A2559), service members in programs for blind and paralyzed veterans would receive an annual assistance increase to $1,800 from $750.
“The amount given to disabled veterans through these programs has not changed in 40 to 50 years. They earned these annual payments by sacrificing life and limb in selfless service to our country. This is a reasonable increase that recognizes their lives were forever changed during the war,” DeCroce (R-Morris) said. “Given the upcoming holiday to honor our nation’s veterans, it is an especially important time to pass this bill. It is a simple way to extend our gratitude.”
Veterans, who sustained a total loss of sight, are permanently paralyzed in a part of their body, lost a limb through amputation, disease, or an accident as a result of service, and their surviving spouses, are currently entitled to an annual sum of $750, which is paid out monthly.
As of July 2018, there were 206 blind and otherwise disabled veterans receiving an allowance under one of the programs, or in the case of five veterans, both. The last increase for the Blind Veterans’ Allowance Program was in 1971. The payment under the Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Veterans’ Allowance Program has not changed since 1981.
Letter to the Letter: “Infrastructure Week” Not a Joke
Dear Editor:
Hallelujah – it’s finally “Infrastructure week”! Everyone says that a bit tongue-in-cheek these days as if it’s some kind of joke. Why? I’ll get to that in a minute.
Last week the House corralled the votes to pass the initial $1trillion dollar bipartisan Infrastructure package. As our congressional representative Mikie Sherrill noted, along with money for modernizing our electrical grid, replacing lead pipes, Superfund site clean-up (an item that her Republican predecessor was also passionate about), there is also the long-awaited funds to move forward with the Gateway Tunnel project, which Sherrill has championed since she first ran for the seat.
Why is “infrastructure week” a joke? Because the previous administration coined the phrase and repeatedly trotted it out to help bolster its reputation to actually lead and get things done – to detract from what was really abject political incompetence. Who can be against infrastructure spending? Who wants to see roads and bridges crumble like the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 killing 13 and injuring 145 people? Imagine what kind of chaos we’ll have if there’s a major meltdown on any of the key transit or highway elements that keep our fragile metro transportation system together before things like Gateway can be completed. The Trump administration had every opportunity to work with willing Democrats to get a bill passed. Why were Democrats so willing? Because more so than not, Democrats understand that what Abraham (a Republican Party founder no less) once said: “The legitimate object of government, is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves — in their separate, and individual capacities.” We don’t build this system on our own – and we sure don’t rely on the private sector to do it. Eisenhower, ironically another prominent Republican from a long-forgotten era who built our interstate system, clearly understood that. What a socialist!
But this isn’t Ike’s party anymore. Like I pointed out when I ran for congress against “moderate” Rodney Frelinghuysen – “it’s not your father’s Republican Party anymore”. It’s now Trump’s Party…lock, stock, and barrel. Trump failed in part because his ego left him unable to compartmentalize working on legislation while obstructing investigations into his campaign and administration’s misdeeds. Even Nixon passed major legislation in the midst of the Watergate scandal.
But the more corrosive factor in all of this discussion is that the party that Trump leads now views just about all government spending on the public good as “evil socialism.” The infamous Matt Gaetz crowed “I can’t believe Republicans just gave the Democrats their socialism bill.” Charming darling of the right Marjorie Taylor Greene said Republicans who voted with Democrats “handed over their voting cards” to Pelosi to pass Biden’s “Communist takeover of America via so-called infrastructure.” And so the 13 GOP House members who voted for it are now in danger of losing their committee seats. Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia said he voted to help kids in his district who sit in parking lots to do their homework because they didn’t have broadband at home.
So remember that folks. Broadband for every American kid? Socialism. In the eyes of today’s GOP – roads and bridges are a communist plot and having them fall apart delaying traffic or worse – dropping chunks of concrete – is the way to Make America Great Again. For Biden and Pelosi to be able to evoke any kind of bipartisanship out of this crowd is no minor miracle. But I have to wonder what stance any of Mikie Sherrill’s GOP challengers would take on the same measures. Let’s make sure we know. (Side note: the only two GOP reps left in NJ both voted in favor as well.)
Just a closing note: I completely expect criticism that 6 very progressive members (“Squad+2”) of the House also did not vote for the bill – but just like the passage of Obamacare – there were those that thought the measures in the bill didn’t go far enough and were concerned that this vote was giving ground on a larger even more progressive bill yet to pass (the one that will help seniors hear and chew their food – among other things). Nice try if you take that tact. It’s a disingenuous claim straight off the bat.
Tom Wyka
Morris County Surrogate Salutes Veterans
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling pays respect and tribute to America’s veterans and their families, as we honor them this Veterans Day, November 11.
“These brave men and women have served us without hesitation. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave because of their service; for that, we owe them a debt of gratitude on this Veterans Day and always” Darling said.
Surrogate Darling also wishes the United States Marine Corps a Happy 246th Birthday, Oorah! God Bless America and God Bless our Veterans.
Morristown Straw Donor Campaign Contributor Sentenced
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck announced that an attorney was sentenced for her role in a scheme involving the illegal use of straw donors to conceal campaign contributions and secure lucrative government contracts for her law firm.
Elizabeth Valandingham, 49, of Morristown, was sentenced to three years’ probation and 324 hours of community service by Superior Court Judge Robert Hanna in Morris County. The state recommended that Valandingham be sentenced to 364 days in the county jail pursuant to the plea agreement, but the court did not impose that sentence. She pleaded guilty on April 13, 2021, to an accusation charging her with third-degree tampering with public records or information. Under the plea agreement, she forfeited her law license and was ordered to pay a $75,000 public corruption profiteering penalty. She also is debarred from any public contracts for a period of 10 years.
Deputy Attorneys General John A. Nicodemo, Eric Cohen, and Michelle McBrian represented the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) at the sentencing hearing. She was charged with an investigation by the OPIA Corruption Bureau.
In pleading guilty, Valandingham admitted that she submitted fraudulent proposals for government contracts for the law firm where she worked, O’Donnell McCord, P.C., in which she failed to disclose political contributions that were illegally made using straw donors. She further admitted that she submitted false reports to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) on behalf of the law firm in which she failed to report such illegal contributions. Valandingham was initially charged by complaint-summons on June 17, 2020.
“Those who engage in illegal schemes to evade our campaign finance and pay-to-play laws will be held accountable,” said Acting Attorney General Bruck. “We cannot tolerate any attempt to undermine fair and open elections and public contracts in New Jersey.”
“OPIA is working to enforce a culture of integrity in state and local government in New Jersey, and that includes safeguarding our election process and public contracting from criminal behavior,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “This case reflects our commitment to prosecute dishonest operators who seek to profit at the expense of good government.”
Valandingham was charged in connection with conduct that occurred between 2012 and 2017. One of her duties at the law firm was to prepare and submit annual proposals to municipalities for the law firm to garner public contracts for legal services.
Get Your Bear Here! At Least the Bears are Showing Up at Work!
PARSIPPANY — Get your bear here! Harvey Rosenblatt, CEO at P3 Properties, owners of Morris Corporate Center III, 300 Interpace Parkway, is proud to show off the bear roaming the sidewalks of the premises.
Jack Schwartz, Insurance Counsel and Risk Management Consultant said “Brings a whole new perspective to an animal exclusion in a liability insurance policy!”
Mike Hiler said “I remember that bear. He would visit Building A dumpster Alot when I was a tenant at that location. Guess he is still around and made it through the pandemic.”
“We’ll take any activity in Parsippany!! I’ll do that tour, looks like a tough customer!” said Charles Parmelli.
Shua Snitzer said, “Do you have wild animal insurance?”
Chaim Orzel said, “Does he have to sign in by the visitor desk?”
“My neighbors will throw a fit if I adopt him,” commented Dmitry Polonsky.
“One way to deal with a lousy tenant,” said Moshe Czapnik.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 9
PARSIPPANY — Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has an Agenda Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 9.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Click here to download the agenda.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor and Council to Dedicate a Plaque to the Late Councilman Vincent Ferrara
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano and members of the Township Council will dedicate a Plaque to the Late Councilman Vincent Ferrara on Tuesday, November 9.
The dedication ceremony will take place at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, during Tuesday’s Council Meeting which begins at 7:00 p.m.
The public is invited to join in the celebration.
Former Knoll Country Club Caterer Files Tort Claim Against Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Rafael Flores, the former operator of the Catering Facilities at Knoll County Club, filed a “Notice of Tort Claim to Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills” on October 28, 2021.
Morristown Attorney Roy Kurnos, from the Belsole and Kurnos, notified the Township Clerk on October 28, a “Notice of Tort Claim to Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.”
In a brief statement, Flores submitted what would have been the winning bid for the operation of the Knoll Country Club. However, the Township did not award the bid to Flores, as required by law, due to illegal and improper interference by the Township’s employees, agents, and others, including Mayor Michael Soriano as well as the Knoll Country Club General Manager, Kevin Brancato.
The claimant is claiming damages including economic damages as a result of being deprived of the winning bid. The exact amount of the damages are unknown. There is no personal injury claim.
Before any litigation begins a potential plaintiff must comply with the statutory requirements of notice to the state and local government regarding the claim. A Notice of Claim must be filed within 90 days of the accident or the claimant loses their right to bring a lawsuit. The claimant must provide the public entities and employees with notice of the name and address of the claimant, date, place, and circumstances of the occurrence or transaction giving rise to the claim asserted, a general description of the injury, damage or loss incurred, the name of the public entities or employees causing the injury, damage or loss and the amount of damages claimed.
Parsippany To Honor Veterans Day With Ceremony
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany will hold an in-person ceremony this Veterans Day at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in Veterans Park. The event will also be broadcast and live-streamed.
The ceremony will feature speeches from various civic and spiritual leaders, musical performances from Parsippany residents and students, and a cannon salute. The township encourages attendees to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
“Since our nation’s founding, we have turned to the brave people of our military to protect us from the world’s most dire circumstances,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “Veterans Day is our annual celebration of their valor, courage, and sacrifice. It is with those thoughts in mind that the Township of Parsippany Troy-Hills will say thank you to our veterans. I ask everyone in our township to join us.”
The ceremony will also be broadcast virtually, live-streamed on Facebook Live, broadcast on Video On The Go Channel 21, and available on-demand through Video On The Go’s YouTube page.
Call Mike Sifonios at (973) 828-3125 for more information.
Pennacchio Bill Requiring Student IDs to List Suicide Prevention Hotline Number Signed into Law
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio requiring student ID cards to include a telephone number for a suicide prevention hotline was signed into law by Governor Murphy.
“I am pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law today. There has been an extremely alarming rise in depression and suicide among students of all ages,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The availability of professional help during times of distress can mean the difference between life and death. Doing something simple yet important, such as printing the hotline number on every student ID, will help stem this tragic epidemic and give young people access to the mental health resources and support they need.”
The legislation, S-550 requires public schools that include grades seven through twelve, and higher education institutions, such as colleges and universities, to print the telephone number for a suicide prevention hotline on the back of every student ID card.
According to a September 2020 report released by the CDC, the rate of suicide among individuals aged 10 to 24 in the United States increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018.
Individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as best practices for professionals.
Need Help Paying for Utilities?
MORRIS COUNTY — Help is available to help you pay your utility bills.
New Jersey’s grace period on utility shut-offs expires at the end of 2021. If you’re behind on your utility bills, your service may be disconnected after December 31.
Many households are newly eligible for financial assistance programs, including utility debt forgiveness and home energy assistance. You can apply for help now using the DCAid screening tool from the NJ Department of Community Affairs. (Click here for details)
If you’re behind on your utility bills, contact your utility as soon as possible to enroll in a Deferred Payment Agreement to lower your monthly payment and keep your service on.
Click here to learn more about utility assistance from the NJ Board of Public Utilities.