PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey State Police are investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who entered Route 80 in Parsippany on foot and was struck by an unknown vehicle Tuesday morning at approximately 3:30 a.m.
The Morris County girl walked on to the road and was hit in the eastbound express lanes near milepost 45.3, State Police said. A description of the vehicle that struck her was not immediately available.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Sources state the girl lived in Parsippany and attended Morris Hill High School.
Police are investigating the incident, which closed the center and right lanes of the highway for about three hours.
The Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and St. Clare’s Paramedics were among the responders at the scene.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — A Mountain Lakes family is hopeful to find their missing cat lost in 2018. They are still searching. Acts feral; maybe with a colony; may have traveled far.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act.
The New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act creates the ‘New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Prevention Program’, implementation of which will be led by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) in furtherance of the agency’s commitment to affordable housing ownership and foreclosure mediation.
This program empowers NJHMFA to address the rising number of foreclosures in New Jersey, not only helping to stabilize families’ homeownership but their neighborhood as well. By establishing public-private partnerships with nonprofits, NJHMFA will be able to undertake supportive interventions including bulk purchases of non-performing loans from institutional lenders, advancing recommendations set forth in the 2018 Report of the Housing Transition Advisory Committee.
“Combatting housing insecurity in New Jersey is essential during these extraordinarily trying times. We have an obligation to identify new and innovative ways to aid our state’s residents in this time of stress,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill provides pathways to help more New Jersey homeowners remain in their homes.”
Stable housing for New Jersey residents is a focal point of this administration. Prior to this legislation’s enactment, Governor Murphy directed NJHMFA in March of 2020 to expand its Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program (FMAP) to include pre-foreclosure counseling to help homeowners avoid potential foreclosure, and to begin offering counseling assistance to renters. This expanded program has assisted approximately 2,163 families, comprising roughly 1,430 rental households and approximately 500 owner-occupied households.
table housing is an economic, health, and community imperative. The New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act is designed to help address the impacts of growing housing insecurity, from homeowners in need to communities confronting vacant and abandoned properties. By addressing these intersecting challenges, this legislation is a crucial step toward housing stability for families and communities across our state.
“The New Jersey Foreclosure Act acknowledges and seeks to assist struggling homeowners in New Jersey. It has proven prescient as that need has grown exponentially within the last year.” “This Act and its ensuing programs will work in tandem with the State’s existing programs to help prevent our most vulnerable residents from losing their homes.”
“This legislation will help New Jersey families keep their homes and ensure that foreclosed properties reenter the homeownership market, stabilizing neighborhoods and helping families become homeowners”, said Melanie R. Walter, Executive Director, New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. “It facilitates crucial interventions including the expansion of NJHMFA’s partnerships with Community Development Financial Institutions, creation of new mortgage products, and establishment of a revenue stream to support housing stabilization in our state.”
“New Jersey has made great strides in addressing the previous foreclosure crisis, and we do not want to see history repeat itself when the foreclosure moratorium is eventually lifted,” said Senator Singleton. “With the pandemic decimating the economy, countless people around the state are on the brink of losing their homes. Now law, the New Jersey Foreclosure Prevention Act will help to stave off a wave of foreclosures, and more importantly, keep families in their homes.”
“New Jersey is in a housing crisis and has been for many years. There are many foreclosed vacant residential properties throughout the state that are undermining the health, safety, and economic vitality of neighborhoods. They depress neighboring property values, reducing revenues for municipalities,” said Assembly sponsors Mila Jasey, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Benjie Wimberly. “The New Jersey Residential Foreclosure Prevention Program will assist struggling homeowners facing foreclosure and also help with the redevelopment of currently vacant properties due to foreclosures.”
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today voted for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, landmark legislation to support workers’ basic right to organize and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions.
“I know first-hand the impact a good-paying union job can have on a family. My grandfather’s union job helped my family move out of poverty and into the middle class after the Great Depression,” said Rep. Sherrill. “In North Jersey, unions are protecting workers’ rights and creating success for families just like it did for mine. But in too many places, a bitter fight for collective bargaining and organizing rights is still ongoing. The PRO Act is the most monumental effort to protect and expand those rights we’ve seen in decades. Bypassing it today, we’ve ensured that the hope for a good-paying union job is alive and well for millions of workers across the country.”
“The PRO Act will help restore our middle class by strengthening the voice of workers allowing them to negotiate better pay and working conditions. It will help eliminate ‘right to work’ laws. Laws established to benefit big businesses and the wealthy at the expense of workers. This is truly one of the most pivotal times in America’s history for workers,” said Anthony Abrantes, Organizing & Political Director for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
“Workers need to be able to fight for their rights and protections. It is incumbent upon us to secure this right for all workers. The PRO Act would guarantee that as Americans we are able to engage in this type of activity without our fear of retaliation from our employers. We support it and urge Congress to think about our essential workers, and their basic protections. It is time to pass the PRO Act now,” said Kevin Brown, Executive Vice President and Director of 32BJ New Jersey.
“The PRO Act is one of the most important pieces of labor legislation we’ve seen in decades,” said Ken Simone, President of The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union of New Jersey Local 4. “The House passing this bill today is nothing short of a game-changer for union workers in New Jersey and for workers around the country seeking to exercise their rights to organize. Unions built the middle class and continue to fight for working people everywhere, and the PRO Act will be crucial in maintaining that legacy. This couldn’t have happened without Rep. Sherrill’s steadfast leadership in the fight to protect collective bargaining and organizing rights, and we thank her for being a strong voice for the workers of New Jersey.”
MORRIS COUNTY — NJDOT officials announced the start of a rockfall mitigation project requiring lane and shoulder closures on I-80 westbound in Rockaway, Denville, and Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morris County.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, NJDOT’s contractor, Union Paving & Construction Co., Inc., is scheduled to close the right lane and shoulder on I-80 westbound between Fox Hill Road in Parsippany and Stony Brook Road in Rockaway. This closure will allow the contractor to install a construction barrier in the shoulder creating a work zone. Three lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the day.
By 5 p.m. tomorrow evening, the right lane on I-80 westbound will reopen. The shoulder will remain closed for the duration of the project.
The $3.2 million federally-funded projects will mitigate rockfall hazards in two locations on I-80 eastbound and westbound between milepost 36.78 and milepost 41.04. It includes excavation and rock scaling, draped rockfall mesh, and riprap stone slope. The project is anticipated to be complete by summer 2022.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT and our Facebook page.
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company recognized several members for their dedicated service on Friday evening, March 5, at a special award ceremony and Court of Honor. Tenure awards were presented to Firefighter Corey Martin and Captain Jeff Pikor for 15 years of volunteer service each and on becoming “Life Members” of the RLVFC. Donald Denise was recognized for 35 years of service and Robert Onufrick for 45 years of service. Jim Murphy was honored for his many years of leadership as an officer of the company.
Kathi Condurso and Mark Rabson were acknowledged for their support service duties.
Bob Onufrick as “Firefighter of Year” and Chief Joe Reeber, Sr.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation given by Chief Joe Reeber, Sr to Bob Onufrick as “Firefighter of Year.” Bobby “O” as he is affectionately called has taken on additional duties and is always ready to assist. He moved to Rainbow Lakes in 1974 and joined in Fire Company in 1975. Bob and his wife Mary are valued and active members of our Rainbow Lakes Community.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be one of five Kiwanis Clubs participating in free food distribution during the weekend of March 13 and March 14. People who need food can register at any of the locations: Parsippany, Boonton, Clifton, Roxbury, or Asbury Park.
“The USDA estimates that in 2018, about 774,860 people, including 219,760 children, in New Jersey were food insecure. That means one in 11 individuals (8.7%) and one in nine children (11.3%) live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Kiwanis Division 9.
“The economic damage wrought 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,” said Laura Wohland, President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be distributing the food at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany starting at 1:00 p.m. To register for the Parsippany Food Distribution click here.
On Sunday Morning starting at 9:30 a.m. Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury will be distributing 10,000 pounds to over 300 families at Kiwanis Park, 9 Makin Lane, Succasunna. Also joining the event is Morris Counties Navigating Hope and Hope One. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One van offers critical support for persons struggling with addiction. Navigating Hope is a social services program that operates out of a van to deliver assistance and information on Food Stamps, housing, veterans’ benefits, and much more to Morris County residents.
“These numbers have increased drastically with families struggling during the pandemic,” said Cain Pope, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury. To register for the Roxbury Food Distribution click here.
The Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town will be at Boonton High School, 306 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton starting at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, March 14. To register for the Boonton Food Distribution click here.
The Kiwanis Club of Clifton will be distributing 70 boxes of perishable and non-perishable food on Sunday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m. If you know of a Clifton family in need, please have them email Jacqueline Turk at jturk@cliftonschools.net with the name and cell number of the person picking up the food.
On Saturday, March 13 at Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park will start distributing at 10:00 a.m. at Jersey Shore Arts Center located at 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove.
The Parenting Center of the South Orange-Maplewood School District, the Kiwanis Club of South Orange/Maplewood distributed 50 boxes with 35-40 pounds of perishable and non-perishable food each (i.e. nearly 2,000 pounds of food) to families in need in South Orange and Maplewood.
“It is amazing to see the Asbury Park community come together in a time of need. Asbury Park should be proud for rising to the occasion to #FeedAP during a global pandemic,” Lt. Gov-Elect [Division 5] and Club Secretary Martin Slezak, explained. “We look forward to continuing to serve our community on the move forward and we thank all who have donated and supported this initiative.”
If you or anyone you know is in need of food, in the Asbury Park area you can register by clicking here.
“The overwhelming amount of support we’ve gotten so far speaks volumes for the people in this community,” said Sarah Bloom President of Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park. “I am so proud of the members of this club, all of which have bent over backward to do the little things to keep us going full speed.”
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Masks are required and social distancing must be adhered to at all locations.
For additional information contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100 or Project Coordinator Cain Pope at (201) 300-7654.
To view our recent YouTube video of previous Food Distributions visit https://youtu.be/p3SRQYQ5H90.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School sophomore Adomas Vaitkus earned a Gold medal in Mathematics as an individual competitor in the Honors Division in the Academic Decathlon of New Jersey State Competition held virtually on Saturday, February 27.
Academic Decathlon is a 10-event scholastic competition for high school students. The events include mathematics, social science, language and literature, economics, art, music, speech, essay, and interview.
This year’s theme is the Cold War. Team coaches are Jaclyn Bevacqua, Italian teacher, and Jacqueline Forte, Spanish teacher.
It is with great interest that I have read the Letter to the editor dated March 4,2021 regarding the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association 138 Days in Office.
Let it be clear that the new board members mainly ran on a platform that would give all property owners in the tract known as Lake Parsippany the right to vote and run for office in the association.
The previous Board adopted a member fee which denied the basic right to vote. It was a charade that stated you can pay your basic member fee of $115.00 if you waivered your right to vote or you paid $315.00 and kept the right to vote.
New Jersey State Statutes under PREDFDA guarantee your rights to vote as long as you pay your basic assessment fee and are a member in good standing.
Tract owners recognize they have an obligation of easement assessment to the body of water known as Lake Parsippany which is linked to their deed. The tract owners also recognize that the Morris County Court ruled that Lake Parsippany was a common interest community and therefore must adhere to and comply with all applicable laws.
Including N.J.S.A 45:22A-45.1. The right for tract members in good standing to vote is established in the Election Law of N.J.S.A 45:22A-23r. The New Jersey Legislature found “that because of the significant influence community associations have over the lives of their residents and because community associations are creatures of the State law, it is unfair and runs contrary to American democratic values for these communities to be governed by trustees who are not elected in a fair and open matter”.
The writer of the LPPOA 138 Days letter failed to recognize that the new Board members realize that they have a responsibility to represent all 2,204 property owners and not just the few who do not believe that voting rights are an inherent right of any democratic society.
The new Board members of 7 are a minority on the LPPOA board of 17 and do not have the majority voting block needed to bring true reforms to Lake Parsippany.
Reforms that are equitable to all the 2,204 tract owners.
Bylaw changes and resolutions would be adopted in a manner that would serve all property owners and not just the few who hold on to the belief that all must pay for their recreational pleasures.
We are a community of diverse people with varying incomes. Many cannot afford the luxury of sitting on a beach, socializing at a clubhouse, sailing a boat, or participating in a fishing contest.
They should not have to pay for someone else’s recreational wants or desires. The reform members of the Board are people who care deeply about the people who live here. They are looking to put forward an equitable solution to this common interest community’s financial obligations. They are stop every step of the way by the vanguard of 10, whose only desire is to see these new board members fail. Some of the majority consider themselves as caring. Well, caring people do not demand excessive fees from a neighbor or put liens on neighbor’s property, simply because their neighbor could not afford the LPPOA assessment fees. I think these Board members should look up the word caring and community to understand what the principals behind a caring community truly are.
People are more important than things. Your Neighbors’ Live Matters. Think of that the next time you are soaking up the sun on the Beach.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announced the launch of Hope Hub, a sweeping program that combines the expertise and resources of multiple public service agencies to help vulnerable and at-risk people find the assistance they need, from homeless solutions and addiction treatment to mental health counseling or a combination of services
Hope Hub is an outgrowth of the wildly successful Hope One outreach program, a mobile substance use recovery and mental health initiative by which a team of specialists drives into Morris County communities to find and assist people in need of addiction counseling and mental health services. Hope Hub will expand on that formula by bringing a team approach, tapping the services of many different agencies and nonprofits to focus on the cases of vulnerable individuals brought to their attention by various public service agencies or individuals.
“We are working together to help individuals and families struggling in Morris County. Those who encounter people at risk in our society can refer vulnerable individuals seeking help to Hope Hub or alert Hope Hub of their plight,” said Cpl. Erica Valvano of the Sheriff’s Office. “These people come into the system many different ways. A police officer who sees someone about to become homeless, a treatment specialist seeing someone struggling with addiction, or a person just asking for help.”
Spearheaded by Hope Hub Coordinator Officer Chelsea Whiting, Hope Hub will be a multidisciplinary panel made up of members of law enforcement, social services, mental health services, healthcare providers, treatment providers and recovery specialists. Individuals and families struggling with problems referred to the Hope Hub panel will be connected to life-changing services.
The multidisciplinary panel will determine what public services would best help an individual brought to their attention, and the panel will work together to determine if a situation requires a welfare visit or an intervention.
Since the inception of Hope One on April 3, 2017, the Hope One team has made 17,101 community contacts and trained 3,149 people in the use of life-saving Narcan. The program has been successful in building community awareness of the opioid epidemic and ending the stigma of addiction, and it has become recognized by Morris County residents as a service responsible for saving the lives of struggling people.
The successes of Hope One motivated the formation of Hope Hub to connect everyone in need with assistance services.
On January 15, 2021, over 50 providers attended a virtual Hope Hub Provider Meeting to prepare for the program launch.
Among the partners working with Sheriff Gannon will be the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris, the Center for Addiction, Recovery, Education & Success (CARES), the Morris County Chiefs of Police Association, Acenda Integrated Health, Family Promise of Morris, the Morris County Department of Human Services and Navigating Hope.
Also participating are the Office of Temporary Assistance (OTA), the STAR program, the Morris County Youth Shelter, the Morris County Division on Aging, Disabilities & Community Programming, Garden Chapel in Victory Gardens, Nourish.NJ, Morris County Child & Family Resources, Prevention is Key, Inc., JBWS, Community Hope, Epiphany Community Services, Homeless Solutions Inc., the Jefferson Township Police Department, NewBridge Services, the New Jersey Department of Education, and Edge New Jersey.
FLORHAM PARK — We may not be able to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the manner we are all used to, in this age of COVID restrictions, but if you are looking for a safe, lively, energized, fun place to go that also offers a menu with a nice selection of tasty pub food, as well as an extensive selection of libations, you might just want to head out to Florham Park Thirsty Turtle.
Opened in August of 2012, in a former Trader joe’s location, it was a bit tricky finding the restaurant. It is located, in what I found to be a somewhat hidden location, in the rear of numerous other stores in the large Regency Plaza mall, right off Columbia Turnpike and James Street. Once you find it, there is plenty of parking, and it is a bright, appealing, and attractive-looking building. It appeared busy for a Thursday evening, with workers bringing take-out orders to waiting cars and a few people who did not make reservations waiting for seating. Yes, I would make reservations coming here, obviously because of the limited indoor dining capacity. Fortunately, I did make reservations, and on entering, our very pleasant, friendly, and welcoming Hostess, Jenna, happily escorted me to a nice, comfortable corner table.
Great selection of various craft beers
Though not what I would personally consider an authentic Irish Pub, the Thirsty Turtle serves that need and is what I would refer to as a gastropub, a term coined in London in 1991, basically a combination of the word’s pub and gastronomy, notable for an emphasis on serving high-quality food, as well as a great selection of various craft beers (bottled and tap), and other alcoholic drinks (wine, martinis, ciders, libations). If you love a pub atmosphere featuring a wide range of quality beers, the Thirsty Turtle certainly hits that mark, with 22 rotating tap-best seasonal choices, complete with an impressive selection of local craft and new releases; well-prepared cocktails, or just a relaxing, casual venue where you can enjoy a nice casual lunch or dinner; then this might be just the place for you.
Plenty of seating
With a comfortable looking, long bar, with plenty of seating, and once we put this pandemic behind us, the Thirsty Turtle would clearly be an outstanding place to catch a game with friends or just a comforting place to stop in and enjoy something from their carefully thought-out menu, which seems to have something to meet everyone’s taste. After all, what could be better than a refreshing, ice-cold beer, mixed drink, and finger foods while all being enjoyed at your favorite pub.
As must be said, it was clear that this pub was exceptionally clean and was carefully following all the pandemic required health safety guidelines. Nice atmosphere, putting off a
The sound quality was great, relaxed lighting, and quite a few large screen televisions
great sports bar vibe, with widely spaced seating, comprised of large family-style booths and individual tables for four. The sound quality was great, relaxed lighting, and quite a few (I counted 7) large screen televisions (sound off) carefully placed throughout the bar area. Attractive décor throughout, with a lot of wood accents and tastefully decorated to set the mood. It was clear that this was also a family-friendly environment and all the patrons were clearly enjoying themselves. It was kind of sad to see the beautiful bar sealed off with those plexiglass barriers that we have all gotten used to seeing, but it was nice to watch the bartenders still working their craft, preparing a variety of tantalizing cocktails.
Jenna, the Hostess
And, they have an equally attractive back-room area which looked like a perfect place for a business or family function. The Thirsty Turtle is certainly an appealing venue. This relatively new, modern look and feel of pubs have come a long way from my small dive bar many years ago when the only food items were pickled, hard-boiled eggs and sausages, which were in jars simply placed on the bar, and which tasted surprisingly good when you were drinking, and not to forget, one of those little rotating hot dog broiler things for when you wanted to go gourmet. Of course, you must be a little older to remember those treats.
Once seated, our waitress, Tricia, quickly greeted us and took our drink order, which arrived promptly. Kudos to Tricia for her attentiveness, professional and friendly service. Obviously, a great and efficient wait staff certainly enhances the entire perception of any restaurant. My groups’ appetizers started with us sharing the Irish Nachos (potato crisps, bacon, cheddar & Monterey Jack, scallions, red peppers, Guinness sour cream), Filet Mignon Spring Rolls (queso fresco, caramelized onions), and the Chicken Pot Stickers ((Sesame mustard sauce, soy reduction, scallions).
Irish Nachos
The Irish Nachos were delicious, nice crunchy, crispy chips, gooey cheese, just the right amount of salty and cheesy bite at the same time, and the Guinness sour cream seemed to put it over the top. The Chicken Pot Stickers were exceptionally good; a nicely filled dumpling with savory, nicely spiced chicken; and the Filet Mignon Spring Rolls; not your traditional spring roll, but prepared perfectly with a kick, nice juicy bites of steak complemented by the spring roll wrapper, the white Spanish cheese, chopped scallions, and sweet caramelized onions. Great appetizers and plenty of each to share for our starters. Of course, since Saint Patrick’s Day is soon to arrive, I had to start off with a Guinness, while my guests had an Arnold Palmer and a Blue Moon.
Filet Mignon Spring Rolls
For my Entrée, and based on reviews, I chose to try the interesting Pretzel Burger, an 8-ounce premium Angus burger served on a toasted soft pretzel roll, topped with American cheese, bacon, Russian dressing, and shredded lettuce. It was a good substantial burger. I enjoyed the various textures and flavors of the ingredients, the crunchiness, and saltiness of the bacon, with the crunchy and chewy taste of the pretzel roll, complemented with the cheese and dressing, made for a tasty and satisfying meal. I could see why this is one of their most popular items on the menu. All our entrees came with nice crispy French-fried potatoes and a pickle. By now I was ready to try one of their craft beers; the Smuttynose Finestkind IPA. I am not normally a big beer drinker, so it is hard for me to judge, but it was nice, cold, and refreshing.
The Cuban Sandwich
Others in the group went with the Filet Mignon Kabobs; twin kabobs, marinated filet, onions, red peppers, fries, and coleslaw. My opinion was that the meal was as delicious as it looked and sounds. He does not like coleslaw, so I jumped at the opportunity to try that and found it to be a nice, creamy, cold, and crunchy treat. And, finally, The Cuban Sandwich, which is new to their menu, slow-roasted pork loin, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, Cajun aioli, chipotle BBQ sauce, sliced dill pickle, Cuban baguette, and fries. Reportedly, that sandwich was also well prepared and delicious.
They do have a dessert menu, but for this time around we skipped the usuals and went with their Espresso Martini. Wow, decadently delicious. The perfect ending to a fun evening.
Pretzel Burger
Honestly, I am confident that I could have gone with any of these entrees, or any of the items on the menu for that matter, and have been completely satisfied. Overall, I would have to give high grades for the delicious food, good service, nice ambiance, and overall satisfaction with the Thirsty Turtle from this visit. As I said, I have been here before and I will certainly be back.
As an end note, I did reach out to the owner of the Thirsty Turtle, who was not available on my visit, to ask him about any special plans they may have for Saint Patrick’s Day. Jim, the owner, did say that because of the restrictions they are not sure what they will be able to do, but that they are presently in the planning stages for whatever specials they will have for the celebration. But, be assured, even though nothing is available for publication as of this writing, they will have something special planned for the day’s menu.
Safe, lively, energized, fun place to go that also offers a menu with a nice selection of tasty pub food
Sláinte mhaith!
Open 7 days a week for Dining and Curbside Pick-Up, Delivery, Parking Lot, Wi-Fi, casual, Outdoor seating, even Gluten Free Selections
Thirsty Turtle is operated under Growth Restaurants, which also owns The Famished Frog in Morristown, Bamboo Grille in Basking Ridge, and Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph.
The Thirsty Turtle Eatery, 186 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ 07932. Phone: (973) 845-6300. Click here for the website.
The Thirsty Turtle Eatery, 186 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park
MORRIS COUNTY — The coronavirus continues to have an impact on the area, according to updated state data from Morris County. The chart below shows the increase (decrease) in cases from February 25 to March 5.
Reductions in numbers from previous dates may be due to cases being transferred out of the jurisdiction and/or further investigation revealed that the case was incorrectly reported to the NJDOH/local health department as confirmed.
NEW JERSEY — The race to get the COVID vaccine may feel like a competition these days, even as more doses than ever are being distributed to states and counties from the federal government.
Still, there are still rules in place governing who is eligible for the vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson one-shot dose is going to help speed up the process for everyone.
The rollout of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccination has triggered an expansion of inoculation sites in our local area and those interested click here to register.
CVS Pharmacy was administering vaccines as part of the Federal Pharmacy Program, which means they receive doses directly from the federal government separate from the New Jersey allocation, and now have begun receiving shipments of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
Scheduling began Friday at East Hanover, Florham Park, and Parsippany locations with inoculations set to begin Saturday. Click here to schedule. For a complete list of CVS stores click here.
You must live, work or study in New Jersey, Age 65+, Teachers K-12, Daycare and preschool workers, and staff; People age 16+ with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and First responders including law enforcement and fire professionals. Health care workers, residents, and staff of long-term and congregate care.
To access New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub click here or Call (General COVID-19 Questions): 2-1-1 (24/7) and (Medical COVID-19 Questions): 1-800-962-1253 (24/7).
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the hiring of Thomas P. McEnroe as Detective and Anthony Scibetta as Supervising Assistant Prosecutor for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Melanie Smith was also promoted to the position of Chief Assistant Prosecutor.
On Monday, March 1, 2021, Acting Prosecutor Carroll and First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood held a ceremony for Chief Assistant Prosecutor Smith and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Scibetta.
First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Smith
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Smith will be responsible for supervising the General Investigations, Pre-Trial Services, Specialized Service, and Juvenile units.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Smith started her career with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a legal intern in 1994. She served as a law clerk at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Morristown; an Assistant Prosecutor for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, assigned to the Juvenile, General Investigations, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, and Special Enforcement units. Smith was promoted to Supervising Assistant Prosecutor in February 2006 and assigned to the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, General Investigations, Pretrial Services, and Special Services units. She holds a B.A. double major from the University of Delaware and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Scibetta will be assigned to supervise the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division.
Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Scibetta previously served the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as an assistant prosecutor from December 2009 through July 2015 and as a law clerk in 2009. He’s also held the positions of litigation associate for private law practice and assistant prosecutor for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office from March 2016 through February 2021. He holds a B.A. from Providence College and a Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law.
Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker, and Detective Thomas McEnroe
On Monday, March 1, 2021, Prosecutor Carroll and Chief Kimker administered the oath of office to Det. McEnroe.
Detective McEnroe will be assigned to the Major Crimes Unit within the Tactical Division.
A member of the New Jersey State Police for two decades, Detective McEnroe served in the Regional Operations and Intelligence Center, the NJSP Academy Training Bureau, NJSP Major Crime Unit, Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force, and the Anti-Crime Partnership Bureau North Region. Prior to joining the NJSP, he served as a detective for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office from March 1995 through September 2000. Detective McEnroe holds numerous certifications and completed specialized training, and has been awarded several commendations during his law enforcement career. Detective McEnroe also served four years with the United States Marine Corps Reserve and on active duty in Operation Desert Storm. He holds a B.A. and Master of Arts from Seton Hall University.
Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “With the challenges of a significant increase in drug overdoses, suicides, car thefts and coupled with the need to provide skilled leadership and training in the several new criminal justice initiatives from the Attorney General and the Legislature, the hiring of SAP Scibetta and Det. McEnroe and the promotion of CAP Smith again demonstrate our Office’s focus to acquire or promote highly experienced personnel to help in our law enforcement efforts. We are pleased to have succeeded with these appointments.”
PARSIPPANY — An open letter to all Parsippany families from Dr. Barbara Sargent:
Dear Families,
I hope it has been a healthy and productive week for you. Both Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School welcomed Cohort A and B students to school this week. This has created an enthusiastic dynamic in the schools. Our teachers and students are excited to have more people in the schools each day.
As a reminder, the middle and elementary schools will begin their new attendance schedules in later stages.
Middle school students currently attending as Cohort A or Cohort B will begin weekly (Monday through Friday) attendance, effective Tuesday, March 16.
Northvail, Knollwood, and Troy Hills Schools ONLY will begin a combined cohort attendance on Monday, March 22. The remaining elementary school students currently attending as Cohort A or Cohort B will begin weekly (Monday through Friday) attendance, effective Monday, April 12. The low number of children attending in-person at Northvail, Knollwood, and Troy Hills Schools each week allows for an earlier transition date.
Students who were already attending daily and weekly (Special Education, most English Language Learners, seniors at-risk for graduation, etc.) will continue their attendance pattern with no change.
Parents of Fully Remote students will have specific deadlines for requesting in-person learning so as to allow for a controlled re-entry.
Finally, the current instructional schedule will remain in effect for the time being.
The milder weather is a happy reminder that spring break is just a few weeks away. At this time, the NJ Department of Health guidance is that non-essential out-of-state travel is discouraged, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. Travelers must continue to follow quarantining recommendations after travel. Unless there is a change in this guidance, all students and staff who travel to any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) must quarantine for 14 days.
We are putting the final touches on several summer programs aimed at reinforcing students’ academic skills, re-engaging students socially, and boosting students’ confidence. Whether it be a reprise of last year’s Summer Stepstones program (virtual), Extended School Year (hybrid), ESL Camp (virtual), Wide World of Summer (in person), or a new Reading and Math Boot Camp (in person), there will be many opportunities for your children to engage with peers and strengthen their skills. Be on the lookout for more information to be shared in the coming weeks.
PARSIPPANY — Sustainable Jersey announced that the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been awarded a $20,000 Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the Gardinier Environmental Fund. Two $20,000 grants and seven $10,000 grants will be distributed to support proposals for implementing innovative energy projects. Projects range from planning and implementation for energy efficiency and sustainable energy systems to exciting educational projects such as the installation of a solar/wind power streetlight and a school greenhouse demonstrating energy and water-saving design. Most of the projects selected also include comprehensive community engagement, education and outreach components that help ensure that lessons learned and benefits from the project are widely shared.”
“Sustainable Jersey, the Gardinier Environmental Fund, our citizen Green Team, and our administration have done tremendous work to bring sustainability and environmental protection to the forefront in Parsippany,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “In pledging to continue our Township’s movement towards sustainable practices, Parsippany is working to lead by example on these important issues for the region. This grant will assist our town tremendously in making sustainability in Parsippany a reality.”
“There is growing momentum to make 2021 the action year for sustainable energy,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “Energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy, sustainable cooling and heating, and electric vehicles are key to New Jersey’s future. The grant recipients demonstrate leadership and a commitment to advancing climate action.”
“The Gardinier Environmental Fund is committed to conserving the Earth’s energy resources and enhancing renewable energy measures,” said Gene Wentzel, president of the Gardinier Environmental Fund. “We are proud to stand alongside Sustainable Jersey and to continue to fund worthy projects that support our mutual goals in New Jersey.”
Since 2009, Sustainable Jersey has distributed over $5.9 million in grants to participating municipalities and school districts to help make their communities more livable, environmentally friendly, and prosperous.
Known as The Crossroads of Northern New Jersey, Parsippany is the largest municipality in Morris County, with over 53,000 residents and counting. Adopting sustainable and environmentally conscious practices to address climate issues could have considerable impacts on adoption by other municipalities in the region. Increased focus on sustainable living has shown improvements to community health, neighborhood aesthetics, and many other higher standards to living.
About Sustainable Jersey
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. Currently, 81 percent or 457 of New Jersey’s 565 municipalities are participating in the municipal certification program and 356 school districts and 978 schools are participating in Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program. Website: www.SustainableJersey.com; www.SustainableJerseySchools.com
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company’s District 2 annual fish and chips fundraising event held on Friday, February was a success despite the challenges of COVID-19.
They had changes and challenges due to COVID safety concerns but they achieved their financial goals, served 290 hot fish meals and 70 tasty chicken dinners without delay in two hours.
Thank you to the staff of Argyles for preparing the meals, the Parsippany Health Department, and Fire Prevention Bureau for your assistance in ensuring the safety, and most importantly to the volunteers from the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company who made this event possible.
If you want to be part of this community first responder team visit the firehouse any Monday evening.
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department is located at 1 Rainbow Trail, Denville (Parsippany).
MORRIS COUNTY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany continues to prepare dinner at Homeless Solutions for the clients.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Laura Wohland with Olga Tsiavos and Ron Miller from KW Metropolitan volunteered on Saturday, February 27.
Olga has been a member of the club since October 1, 2020, and has participated in many of the service projects of the club.
Following all COVID-19 protocols, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has been serving food at Homeless Solutions and providing food for residents affected by the pandemic.
With a generous donation from Chick-fil-A Morris Plains and food donated by Restaurant Depot, Wohland was able to shop at Costco to purchase the items needed to prepare the dinner.
The guests enjoyed homemade Baked Ziti, Meatballs, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, and dessert.
The Kiwanis Club has been providing meals to Homeless Solutions for the past 19 years and has served over 7,000 meals. Members volunteer their time to shop, cook, and serve dinner.
Ron Miller wrapping up dinners for the clients of Homeless SolutionsOlga Tsiavos and Ron Miller from KW Metropolitan
Homeless Solutions, “Providing a Hand Up, Not a HandOUT.” They offer shelter, services, and supportive housing to the homeless and working poor in Morris County, New Jersey.
Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Laura Wohland, by emailing law4pres@gmail.com. Click here to view the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany website.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be participating in a “FREE Food Distribution” on Sunday, March 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road. Interested parties please sign up by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — A shortage of personal protective equipment at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic proved to be one of the state’s biggest public health challenges. A bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, preventing such a crisis and encouraging equipment manufacturing to increase supplies is making its way to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.
The Assembly recently voted unanimously in favor of the bill (A4803) that requires the Office of Emergency Management to maintain a stockpile of equipment and establishes an approval process for businesses to transition to manufacturing protective gear.
“Without the proper protective equipment at the start of the coronavirus outbreak, our essential and frontline workers were put in precarious positions,” said DeCroce (R-Morris, Essex, Passaic). “We need to make sure this never happens again by making the process easier for manufacturers to start producing equipment and creating a plan to stockpile critical life-saving equipment.”
Under the bill, the state must create stockpiles of federally-approved equipment and New Jersey Office of Emergency Management-approved equipment. It will also allow the agency to grant approval to businesses to create PPE equipment.
New Jersey manufacturers like Suuchi Inc., a supply chain platform, and Eclipse, which makes mattresses, retooled operations to produce masks, gowns, gloves, and other protective gear during the pandemic. However, many other businesses were not able to transition to making protective equipment due to a lack of federal approval.
“We shouldn’t solely rely on the federal government to approve New Jersey businesses transitioning from manufacturing one type of product to producing much-needed personal protective equipment during emergencies,” said DeCroce. “We have capable and successful manufacturers that can produce those supplies in New Jersey. We should be helping keep them in business so people can stay employed.”
During public health emergencies, equipment in the stockpiles will be made available without charge to the state, municipalities, public schools, non-profit private and charter schools, and state hospitals and nursing homes.
The remainder will be available for purchase by businesses at market or cost price, whichever is higher, and non-profits at 75 percent of the market price or cost price, whichever is higher.
In December, the legislation was passed unanimously in the Senate. It now goes to the governor.
March 1, 2021, will be 138 days since the new board members were installed, following the September election.
Most of the new additions to the board lived in the lake for years and enjoyed the well-maintained lake’s beauty. Many of the new board members ran on the platform, stating they could better manage the lake than those involved and committed long-term members. Members who have volunteered for years where no one else would. The membership voted in favor of this new administration.
Let’s see how they are doing at 138 days in office.
To date: All of the staff has quit.
Two dedicated board members have resigned.
Created instability and propagated divide amongst the board. This was evident when the president gave his last-minute version of the budget. It appeared to contradict what the board had already agreed to present. His version was not presented during the board meeting and published in the news and views.
Two thousand twenty-one invoices have not been published or sent. They should have gone out on or about January 1, 2021.
Collections have stopped.
The approved budget is still in jeopardy as the fees presented can’t cover it.
There has been no published plan for badge distribution.
There does not appear to be a plan to replace staff.
No plan to open beaches.
Announced multiple committees. Only one committee has met, according to information reported at board meetings. Most who have stepped up are long-term members.
Changed the news and views without even mentioning it to the board or the current Editors.
There have been no plans announced to do any repairs.
Water quality and landscaping seem to be the only thing that will continue for this year because there are 2-year contracts from the previous administration.
The redundant answer has been “we are new and learning.” Clearly, this contradicts the platform of “we know how to do it better.” The LPPOA is a business, and focusing on only one thing is not how a company works.
The member survey results reported to the board were very eye-opening. It seems all that responded want more offerings but have no interest in helping them become a reality.
Wake up, members. You need to get involved and stay involved, or our community will not survive.
Dear Editor:
FLORHAM PARK — We may not be able to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the manner we are all used to, in this age of COVID restrictions, but if you are looking for a safe, lively, energized, fun place to go that also offers a menu with a nice selection of tasty pub food, as well as an extensive selection of libations, you might just want to head out to Florham Park Thirsty Turtle.
