PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – July 28, 2021.
Click here to download the Special Agenda.
Click here to download the agenda.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – July 28, 2021.
Click here to download the Special Agenda.
Click here to download the agenda.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board – July 14, 2021
Click here to download the special agenda.
Click here to download the agenda.
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is looking for volunteers to help with an upcoming food distribution event.
The non-profit organization has hosted several food giveaways and has scheduled its next one for Saturday, August 21. It will take place at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to help hand out the boxes, each containing 35 pounds to 40 pounds of groceries, canned food, and/or fresh produce.
The club is also seeking new members.
“Kiwanis club members believe in service,” it said in announcing the search for helpers and members. “They care about children. They’re interested in the community around them because the community matters to them. They’re people like you. Friends. Neighbors. Volunteers who want to make a difference.”
The club is part of Kiwanis International New Jersey Division 9.
Those interested in getting a box of food need to register by clicking here.
People who want to volunteer or become Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members can get more information by calling (862) 346-5100 or clicking here.
Since Kiwanis Clubs in Northern New Jersey started its “Operation Feeding Morris County” initiatives it has distributed over 200,000 pounds of food to over 5,200 families, 8,000 children with a retail value of over $525,000. “Many people may feel like they need to humble themselves because they are asking for help, so we try to alleviate any feelings like that they might have.” Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Division 9, New Jersey Kiwanis. Kiwanis is also seeking sponsors. Each food distribution costs approximately $2,000. If you are interested in donating, either call the above number or mail a check to Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Post Office Box 5342, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
While we ask for families to register online, this is only for a rough estimate of how much food we need to purchase. The only person who can see that list is the club president. On the day of the distributions, families simply pull up, say if they are registered or not, then a volunteer opens either the trunk or back seat of their car, puts the box of food in the vehicle closes the door, and drives off.
“We want people to feel as comfortable as possible. We want them to know that Kiwanis is here to help,” said Ilmi Bokjovic, who spent his day off work volunteering. “The economic damage brought by mass layoffs and business closures is expected to persist long after vaccines become widely available and that means demand for food assistance will remain at the current high level for months or years to come.” Cahill says, “So long as there’s a need, we will continue to do the food distributions every month.”
Bojkovic is one of the many volunteers who helped during the past few months. Senator Anthony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Surrogate Heather Darling as well as other police officers, firemen, EMS workers participated in one of our locations. This is definitely a community project.
If you are interested in joining the Kiwanis Club contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100 for additional information.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Mayor and Administration worked on the Township budget for seven months while most other towns completed their budgets in three or four months. The reasons for the delay in Parsippany were the serious deficits that had to be addressed. These deficits were caused by Mayor Soriano and his Administration in just three and a half years.
The Mayor initially introduced his budget in April that was not statutorily correct, including a $5 million loan (plus interest) that must be paid off within five years; a Fund Balance that may not be used; overestimating revenue and underestimating expenses. The Township Auditors had identified a number of serious errors in the budget and could not certify it. By the end of July, the Administration finally submitted a budget that could be certified.
The Mayor’s budget, submitted to the Council at its meeting on July 20, 2021, included a resolution to “Authorize Cancellation of Current Fund Appropriation Reserves”. This resolution would allow the Administration to “borrow” $1.1 million from the 2022 budget to balance the 2021 budget. The budget still significantly Overestimated Revenue and Underestimated Expenses.
These “Mayoral Gimmicks”, borrowing from the 2022 budget, overestimating revenue, and underestimating expenses, may get the Mayor through the 2021 budget, but he has pushed most of the Township’s deficit into 2022. He has “Kicked the Can down the road” so he can get reelected. He blamed the previous administration for not leaving him enough surplus.
Dear Editor:
At the Tuesday, August 3, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting, I asked the Mayor, Township Council, and Business Administrator the following questions. I am still waiting for answers.
Dr. Louis Valori
Parsippany
MORRIS COUNTY — Before Governor Phil Murphy mandates masks in schools today, Assemblyman Brian Bergen has a message: Mandating masks in schools has more negatives than positives.
“What I am hearing is that mandating masks makes things more difficult for everyone,” said Bergen (R-Morris), a parent of two school-age children and the husband of a teacher.
“The governor’s new mandate and the CDC recommendations are looking at the issue from only one angle,” continued Bergen. “They are not considering the damage to our kid’s emotional wellbeing. We need to add that element, and when we do, the answer is no mandatory masking in schools. The long-term harm to kids from masking is psychologically enormous and disrupts learning.”
Experts have raised legitimate concerns that the risks of masking outweigh the potential benefits for children because masking children can negatively impact communication, learning, emotional and social development.
Bergen has been critical of the governor’s unchecked unilateral powers since the beginning of the pandemic and introduced legislation to rein in the governor’s executive order authority. His bill (A4147) would force all emergency executive orders to expire after 14 days without an extension granted by the Legislature, which was moved six times for a vote but rejected by Democrats. Instead, Democrats rushed through a bill codifying Murphy’s ability to use his powers through the end of the year before breaking for the summer and fall elections.
“The state Legislature is on a ‘break’ while Governor Murphy continues to rule with no oversight. It is very undemocratic,” concluded Bergen.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the arrest of several cocaine distributors following the interception and investigation of two parcels, each containing approximately one-half kilogram of cocaine. The United States Postal Inspection Service developed information that these drug-laden parcels were being mailed to residences in Jefferson Township and Rockaway Township. On July 30, a joint investigation resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of over a kilogram of cocaine, a loaded, defaced handgun, and over $8,000 in U.S. Currency.
The following individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation to date: Raymond D. Rosario, 38, of Lake Hopatcong, was charged with the following:
-1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
-1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
-1 count of Second-Degree Possession of a Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense
-1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
-1 count of Third-Degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of a Defaced Firearm
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Obstructing Administration of Law
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Tampering with Physical Evidence
A motion for pretrial detention was granted and Rosario remains lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending trial.
Carlos J. Morales-Colon, 26, of Dorado, Puerto Rico, was charged with the following:
-1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
-1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
-1 count of Second-Degree Possession of a Firearm While Committing a CDS Offense
-1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
-1 count of Third-Degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of a Defaced Firearm
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Obstructing Administration of Law
A motion for pretrial detention was granted and Morales-Colon remains lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending trial. Anthony J. Cavallone, 25, of Lake Hopatcong, was charged with the following:
-1 count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
-1 count of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
-1 count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
-2 counts of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with Intent to Distribute
A motion for pretrial detention was granted and Cavallone remains lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending trial. Rebecca R. Keir, 25, of Lake Hopatcong, was charged with the following:
-1 count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Obstructing Administration of Law
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution
-1 count of Fourth-Degree Tampering with Physical Evidence
Keir was released on a Summons Complaint. In addition to the United States Postal Inspection Service, Prosecutor Carroll thanks the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Narcotics Task Force – the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department, Long Hill Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Wharton Police Department, along with the assistance of the Jefferson Township and Rockaway Township Police Departments.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until he/she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a Court of law.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Blue Foundry Bank, a financial institution that offers a full service, crafted banking experience, announced the opening of its innovative 40,000 square foot Administrative Offices at 7 Sylvan Way.
The Bank’s new corporate hub, designed by DMR Architects, reflects the bank’s reinvention and offers employees the opportunity to work collectively in a flexible workspace. The space provides a modern, technologically infused working environment aligned to its growth strategy and plans for building teams, expanding products and services, and meeting the needs of its employees, customers, and communities. All while keeping the health and safety of its employees a top priority.
Upon entering the newly designed Blue Foundry Bank offices, guests are greeted by the Bank’s Community Managers who guide the overall workspace experience. A tour of the office reveals impressive wooden and industrial design elements that complement the Bank’s recently renovated branches. In addition, the space features many customized finishes including 14 different ceiling types, modern light fixtures, reservable sit/stand workstations, and unique amenities such as a wellness room, lounges with fireplaces, and a Café that serves as a unique space for teams to connect.
“It was important to me that the design elements represent the brand, create a collaborative workspace, and are safe and welcoming for our team members,” said James D. Nesci, President & CEO at Blue Foundry Bank. “Creating this experiential and comfortable office area is key to fostering motivation among our employees so they can craft unique and personalized solutions for our customers.”
Blue Foundry Bank’s offices were designed with the current cultural context top-of-mind, supported by the implementation of new technology to keep team members working remotely connected to internal systems. The physical space reflects the same need for fluidity with its technology-enabled environment, which affords team members the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule. The design provides flexibility so that no matter how an employee chooses to work, collaborate or gather there is an energetic and stimulating space in which to do so.
About Blue Foundry Bank
Blue Foundry Bancorp is the holding company for Blue Foundry Bank, a place where things are made, the purpose is formed, and ideas are crafted. Headquartered in Rutherford and maintaining 16 branch locations throughout Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties, Blue Foundry Bank is a full-service, progressive bank serving the doers, movers, and shakers in our communities. We offer individuals and businesses alike the tailored products and services they need to build their futures. Rebranded in 2019, Blue Foundry Bank (formerly Boiling Springs Savings Bank) has served our communities for over 80 years and our deep New Jersey roots will ensure we continue to do so in the years to come. To learn more about Blue Foundry Bank visit BlueFoundryBank.com or call (888) 931-BLUE. Member FDIC.
PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is scheduling a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, August 9, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
Click here to download the agenda.
The agenda to the extent known includes the introduction of the 2021 Municipal Budget. Formal action may or may not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council received a notice, on August 2, to appear before the Local Finance Board on August 11, 2021.
In the letter the said “The Order to Introduce provided a deadline for the introduction of the budget by July 20, 2021. As of the date of this letter, the Division has no record of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills having introduced its 2021 municipal budget.
Since Parsippany-Troy Hills has yet to introduce its budget, you are hereby required to appear before the Local Finance Board at the August 1, 2021 board meeting.
After this letter was received, “The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is scheduling a Special Meeting to be held on Monday, August 9, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building, located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.
The agenda to the extent known includes the introduction of the 2021 Municipal Budget. Formal action may or may not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken.
Failure to comply with the directive may result in penalties as set forth under N.J.S.A. 40A:4-84.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Murphy’s decision to require masks in schools will once again impede the educational development of the state’s schoolchildren, Senator Joe Pennacchio said.
“The Delta variant does not change the fact that children are not susceptible to the virus and they don’t spread it,” said Pennacchio. “Today’s edict is devoid of any science and data in its support. After all the deaths, shutdowns, and closed businesses, should this Governor be taken seriously?
“The sad fact is masks inhibit communication in classrooms and obstruct learning. My Republican colleagues and I held a virtual hearing on masks, and we heard from experts who asserted that masks in school are more trouble than they are worth,” Pennacchio said. “This is yet another unilateral mandate announced by the Governor that ignores the elected Legislature and the role of parents in protecting their children. Now is not the time to revert to unjustified mask mandates.”
Senator Pennacchio (R-26) was joined by Senator Bob Singer (R-30), Senator Kristin Corrado (R-40), Senator Michael Doherty (R-23), Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39), medical experts, school officials, parents, and advocates for a virtual discussion on the science and data for unmasking New Jersey children on July 8.
Click here to view the hearing.
PARSIPPANY — At the Township Council meeting of Tuesday, August 3 the Township Council voted to increase taxes against Mayor Michael Soriano’s recommendation. A State-approved resolution would have allowed the town to use money left over from 2020 to balance the budget for this year, but the Council rejected that proposal.
Council President Michael dePierro, Councilmember Emily Peterson, and Janice McCarthy voted against Resolution R2021-129, “Authorize Cancellation of Current Fund Appropriation Reserves.” Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., voted for the resolution, and Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani was not present.
The town council’s vote will result in taxes being increased by nearly 5% instead of Mayor Soriano’s proposed 2.15%. “We are incredibly disappointed by the Town Council’s decision to reject Mayor Soriano’s proposal and put more financial burden on Parsippany Residents,” said Cori Herbig, candidate for Town Council. “We need leaders in Parsippany who aren’t afraid to bring creative ideas to the table in order to keep Parsippany moving forward,” said Team Soriano.
Mayor Soriano introduced a sensible and balanced budget that was pre-approved by the State.
His proposed budget would have raised taxes by just 2.15%. The budget proposed by Mayor Soriano addressed the budget shortfalls of last year without putting any unnecessary burden on taxpayers. Councilmember Paul Carifi, Jr., agreed with Soriano and does not want to raise taxes any more than 2.15% and voted to approve this resolution.
Local businesses and hotels were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in decreased tax revenue for the town.
The State approved Mayor Soriano’s proposal to reallocate unused funds from 2020 to cover the $1.1 million gap in order to help our town recover from the unprecedented economic challenges of COVID-19.
“Mayor Soriano’s proposal would have allowed Parsippany to move forward without asking the town’s residents to make up the difference. The Town Council’s rejection of Mayor Soriano’s proposal is irresponsible and fails to acknowledge the hardship being faced by so many Parsippany residents as a result of the pandemic.
Parts of this story included comments from a press release submitted by Team Soriano 2021.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – August 3, 2021
Click here to download the agenda.
MORRIS COUNTY — Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter: How to Foster
PARSIPPANY — The former Democratic candidate for Parsippany Township Council and former BOE member, Nick Kumburis, announced his endorsement of Justin Musella for Township Council. Justin Musella is running for Township Council to bring a new way forward to the governance of Town Hall and prevent residents from being affected by the rampant mismanagement in the current Administration.
“As a former Democratic candidate for the office of Township Council and a former Board of Education member, I understand the qualities required to bring steady leadership to our local government. I believe that Justin Musella possesses those very qualities and, if elected, will represent our residents well on the Township Council. I was fortunate enough to meet Justin in his travels across town door knocking for his preferred candidates last year, being genuinely pleased the more we talked. As we spoke, he listened to my concerns, answered detailed questions on policy, and fostered a dialogue on issues affecting our neighborhood. In our increasingly polarized political landscape, it is critical that we elect representatives that can make decisions based on the needs of our citizens, rather than candidates, who seek only to further their party’s political agenda. I recognized that Justin genuinely works to understand the needs and wants of our residents and will vote in our best interest.
We currently have two incumbent Democrats who place the needs of residents first, even if this means disagreement and conflict with the current administration. My former running mate in 2015, Janice McCarthy, and Emily Peterson are strong, free-thinking, and dedicated individuals who have consistently worked across the aisle to ensure the best for our Township. Unfortunately, this unwillingness to allow the current administration to mismanage our local government unfairly cost them their party line position. Even with this, they continue to represent us well and ask questions of the administration that we deserve to receive answers on. I believe that Justin will act in very much the same way, ensuring the Council continues to act as a separate branch of government that will check the executive regardless of who occupies the office.
While Justin will be the youngest member of the council by far, he will represent a generation yearning to be heard. As the demographics shift to a younger populace, it is vital that this group has someone to voice their unique concerns. His vibrant and energetic nature will bring new thinking in resolving long-standing issues and bring back hope for a better Parsippany. Ensuring tax dollars are well-spent, preventing further tax increases that residents can’t afford, and proposing new ways of eliminating the rampant mismanagement that has plagued our local government for the past three years are just a few of the areas of focus he will work toward. With critical issues affecting our township, such as a budget crisis that our mayor has declined to take responsibility for, and unnecessary conflict between the administration and the BOE over school security, and a complete disregard for the will of Parsippany residents when it comes to overdevelopment, it is important we elect Justin to “clean up Parsippany” after this election.
I will be voting for Justin Musella this fall, whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, I strongly encourage you to do the same.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer. The Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer shall conduct school safety and security duties within the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District.
Applications are due by August 13, 2021
• Any applicant offered a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination, psychological evaluation, and drug screening.
Starting Salary for the Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer will be $35.00 per hour and they will work a schedule of up to 40 hours weekly, which will be determined upon hiring. The Class III Special Law Enforcement Officer will only work when school is in session.
For a complete list of minimum qualifications required by law, please refer to N.J.S.A. 40A:14-146.10.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Telecommunicator. Applications are due by August 31, 2021.
Workweek: Follows 4×4 work schedule, days/nights. Mandatory overtime may be required to accommodate ongoing shifts.
Definition: Supervised Trainee receives and responds to incoming telephone or other electronic requests for emergency assistance including law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency services, and/or dispatches appropriate units to response sites. This titled position may not perform all duties listed in this job description and duties performed on the job may not be listed.
Skills/Duties: Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand, and communicate sufficiently in English to perform the duties of this position. Applicants will learn how to use 911, CAD, CJIS, NCIC, and other various systems used by the Police Department.
Maintains a reassuring, calming manner with callers to obtain the required information. Persuades emergency callers to stay on the line. Seeks guidance from supervisory personnel when circumstances warrant significant deviation from preestablished response plans.
In response to medical emergencies, is/will be trained in EMD-Emergency Medical Dispatch to stabilize the medical condition of persona until the arrival of professional medical assistance.
In nonmedical emergencies, may provide precautionary instructions and advice to help ensure the personal safety of persons and/or to minimize loss of property pending arrival of fire, police, or other assistance.
May dispatch nonemergency personnel or equipment. Relays information or instructions to field units via radio or mobile data terminal. As instructed, coordinates the dispatching of units involving two or more government jurisdictions.
Maintains a constant update on the status of emergency units in the field via CAD and radio.
Applications must be submitted to Town Hall.
Dear Editor:
Can not help to think, the Budget is being used as a mechanism to impede the Soriano Administration. Why has not the municipal budget been approved? Ask the republican council.
The town is still functioning; and at least we stopped raiding the water/sewer surplus which should be held in trust for those purposes only; which apparently they were not. (The former Christie Administration used raiding State Funds held in trust for certain purposes for tax fixed; notability Open Space Monies; Barberio was a big Christie supported).
Without seeing COVID’s background in all this is simply using the pandemic for political mind-bending.
If Par rating was AAA, how could this have suddenly changed; “by Council holding up a budget”? A former Soriano Administrator proposed a $4.32 a month average tax hike rejected by the council, that would have done the trick…Why was this rejected?
Council may reduce any item or items in the mayor’s budget by a vote of a majority of the council, but an increase in any item or items therein shall become effective only upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of Council…
August 3, 2021 meeting should be interesting on the subject of the Water System Update; which was in a state of entropy; how much is that costing, and is it depending on a deficit in the surplus caused by former raiding of those funds by the former administration? ( Councilwoman McCarthy explained this in detail)
Is the 15% tax raise Councilman dePierro referring to the water/sewer rate increased voted on by Council to financially manage the degraded water infrastructure? (The slight monthly tax increase would of cover it, along with letting the water/sewer surplus not be raided for other purposes. The senior state tax freeze would have returned this tax raise to resident taxpayers the fee imposed does not.
The former administration had no transparency in its payments to former attorney Inglesino, his Aurora Security hiring for the Carifi Fiasco, and the over $4 million of “local open space funding” that was surrendered to RD developer for a buffer called open space at Waterview. The fact that our water infrastructure was in need of upgrades and suffering from age, was ignored. Where were the disturbed minds then?
Our 2-Party system has divided the US; rather than allowing elements of dynamic human possibilities to have a dialogue we limit ourselves to arguments and taking sides. All is the scene for or against; rather than a true Method of enquiring into the bottom of things and impartially judging according to the weight of proper merit. So it’s simple any democrat can never be right about anything, and lies and distortions prevail. Including those stated by Political BOE members against the Mayor accusing Police to be taken from schools.
Faulkner Act (OMCL) Mayor-Council-Administrator NJSA:40:69A-149 et. seq. VOTERS ELECT MAYOR
Presides over Council. Exercises the executive power of the municipality. Votes only to break ties. Has veto subject to override by 2/3 of all Council members. Appoints municipal clerk, administrator, attorney, tax collector, tax assessor, treasurer, and department heads with Council approval. May remove department heads upon written notice to Council.
COUNCIL
Exercises legislative power of the municipality. Approves Mayor’s appointees for municipal clerk, administrator, attorney, tax collector, tax assessor, treasurer, and department heads. May remove department heads for cause after a hearing. Prepares budget with the assistance of municipal administrator and treasurer.
Nick Homyak
By: Esha Patel, is a Junior at Parsippany Hills High School
MORRIS COUNTY — Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be in another culture’s environment? Well, I’m about to give you the inside scoop on the stigma behind mental health in the Asian community.
To most members, poor mental health simply doesn’t exist. In this case, the Asian community thinks they are helping their members become mentally stronger by encouraging them to suppress their emotions, but in reality, they are creating a mental health crisis for the individuals who are engaged in the suppression. With the stigma around mental health in Asian culture, it is normalized to assume mental health is not much of a significance anymore.
For example, research conducted and led by Abe-Kim et al. in the United States aimed to determine how many individuals in the Asian community were actually getting the mental health assistance they needed. The study noted, “…only 8.6 percent of Asian-Americans sought any type of mental health services or resource compared to nearly 18 percent of the general population nationwide” (Spencer et al., 2010). With that 8.6 percentage, it proves the clarity of how little the Asian culture views the seriousness of mental help and awareness. It goes to show how they believe that it is okay for people to suffer in silence rather than getting the help that they need. Parents of Asian culture set very clear expectations for their children as they want them to succeed.
However, they fail to realize that the expense of that, comes with a cost of their child’s mental health and how much pressure is put on young kids growing up. Furthermore, in circulation with society and its embedded judgment, people, specifically when it comes to individuals in the Asian community, feel that they are obligated to live up to those stereotypical expectations.
One’s environment can affect their emotions and their way of thinking as one is continuously conditioned to think their mental health is not important enough to be prioritized and rather more of a burden instead. In this day and age, people value holding up their position in society or in school more than addressing mental exhaustion. The fear of being judged based on something that is considered a weakness overpowers the need to address these serious issues that could slowly and ultimately shadow over an individual’s true strength. Because it is not clearly seen and spoken about, much of the society in the Asian community aim to push their children to be the best, but in doing so, also simultaneously downplay the importance of mental health and what that can unhealthy lead to.
Side note: Despite what society has to think or say, your mental health is important! I urge you to put that as your top priority and get help if needed.
PARSIPPANY — Mr. Michael Hallacy, 18, Tenafly, was driving a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta on New Road when he may have fell asleep and ran off the roadway (to the right), and struck a curb. This accident occurred on Monday, August 1 at 11:44 p.m.
After traveling over the curb the vehicle continued across a grass lawn and began to yaw left. Once across the grass lawn, it crossed the asphalt driveway of 229 New Road, before it struck an aluminum fence. The vehicle had gone through the fence, struck a tree with the front driver’s side portion of the vehicle.
This collision separated the driver’s front wheel and suspension assembly from the vehicle and acted as a pivot point to spin the vehicle further. As the spun in a counter-clockwise direction, it then struck another tree with the right rear wheel. The vehicle then vaulted off four feet retaining wall, traveling another 20 feet into a wooded area.
The vehicle came to a final rest in the woods, facing the opposite direction in which it was traveling.
Hallacy was conscious and alert upon arrival and suffered from multiple facial lacerations as well as a visibly fractured lower right leg/ankle. The windshield on the driver’s side was impacted from the inside and broken outwards. The driver’s seatbelt was fully retracted.
Open containers of alcohol were discovered inside the vehicle, but Hallacy did not display signs of impairment, due to alcohol or narcotics.
Hallacy stated that he did not recall what happened, but he awoke to the vehicle crashing. Officer Daniel Ross determined that Hallacy may have fallen asleep while traveling down the roadway and this was the primary cause of the crash.
Hallacy was transported to Morristown Medical Center by Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance.
Hallacy was charged with 39:4-88, Failure to Observe Traffic Lanes, and 39:4-51B, Possession of open, unsealed alcoholic beverage containers.
Damage on the property of 229 New Road consisted of a cobble curb, grass lawn, Black Aluminum fence, Tree on the property, and wooden retaining wall.
Mr. Hallacy’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing.