Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley III, Trentonian
MORRIS COUNTY — “A member of the Governor’s family recently tested positive for COVID-19. Per guidance from public health officials, the contact tracing process has begun to notify everyone who may have come into contact with the Governor’s family member during the potential infection window.
“After careful review, the Governor does not qualify as an exposed close contact. However, out of an abundance of caution and in line with the highest levels of commitment to protecting public health, the Governor will be canceling in-person events and voluntarily quarantining before resuming any in-person engagements. The Governor received a coronavirus test earlier today as part of his regularly-scheduled testing regime, which came back negative.
“From the beginning, the Governor has taken every precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19. Today’s exceedingly cautious steps are part of that ongoing commitment.”
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Lieutenant Susan Johnson and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the promotion of several members of the investigative team within the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The following investigative members will be promoted and assigned as indicated:
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Captain Jan Michael Monrad, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker.
Lieutenant Jan-Michael Monrad will be promoted to the rank of captain and will command the Special Operations Division. Captain Monrad has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since April of 2002 when he was hired as a Detective. Prior to joining the MCPO, Captain Monrad worked as a Patrolman with the Boonton Township Police Department. During his tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Monrad has served in the General Investigations Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Special Enforcement Unit, High Tech Crimes Unit, and Intelligence/Homeland Security Unit, within the Special Operations Division. A Certified Forensic Computer Examiner by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists and a Tactical Emergency Medical Technician, Captain Monrad is a member of the Tactical Narcotics Team and Rapid Deployment Team.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Captain Jan Michael Monrad, Lieutenant Susan Johnson, Sergeant Leah Atterbury, Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, Detective Supervisor Stephen Gangi, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.
Sergeant Susan E. Johnson will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant and will continue to be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Lieutenant Johnson has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Lieutenant Johnson served as Patrol Officer and Detective for the Town of Boonton Police Department. During her tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Lieutenant Johnson has served in the Domestic Violence/Missing Persons Units, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, General Investigations Unit, Pretrial Services Unit, and the Fraud and Professional Standards Units. Lieutenant Johnson has attended numerous leadership courses and received the FBI LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) Trilogy Award after completely the Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership Institute courses.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sergeant Leah Atterbury, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker.
Detective Supervisor Leah Atterbury will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and will be reassigned to the Pre-Trial Services Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Sergeant Atterbury has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since April 2004. Prior to joining the MCPO, Sergeant Atterbury served the New Jersey Transit Police Department and New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Justice, assigned to the Organized Crime and Racketeering Bureau. Sergeant Atterbury has served on the Professional Standards Unit, General Investigations Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Fraud/Insurance Fraud Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, and the Juvenile and Missing Persons Unit. Sergeant Atterbury has received many awards during her law enforcement career, including a Meritorious Services Award and an Honor Award for the apprehension of an armed robber, and a commendation for her investigation which resulted in the safe recovery of a 15-year-old missing juvenile.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker
Detective Supervisor Patrick J. LaGuerre will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and will continue to be assigned to the Bias Crimes Unit and Community Outreach & Recruitment within the Specialized Crimes Division. Sergeant LaGuerre joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2013 as a Detective in the General Investigations Unit. Prior to joining the MCPO, Sergeant LaGuerre served with the East Orange Police Department in the patrol division, narcotics unit, Executive Protection Unit, and Enhanced Community Safety Team, and with the Newark Police Department and Essex County Auto Theft initiative. During his tenure with the MCPO, he has served in the Professional Standards Unit, CARE Unit, Juvenile Unit, and Missing Persons Unit. Sergeant LaGuerre has received commendations during his law enforcement career, and holds certifications in Emergency Management Administration and Global Security and Terrorism Studies, and is a Certified Behavioral Specialist and certified Train the Trainor for Mental Health, Implicit Bias, Bias Crimes, and Resiliency.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Detective Supervisor Stephen Gangi, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker
Detective Stephen J. Gangi will be promoted to the rank of detective supervisor and will continue to be assigned to the Major Crimes Unit within the Tactical Division. Detective Supervisor Gangi joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Gangi served as a Corrections Officer with the Essex County Correctional Facility and Detective with the East Orange Police Department, where he was assigned to the Street Gang Unit, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and Violent Crime Task Force. During his tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Gangi has served in the Major Crimes Unit, where he has successfully investigated and arrested suspects in numerous homicides, and successfully investigated numerous bank robberies, aggravated assaults, and has several strict liability arrests for drug-related deaths.
A formal promotion ceremony was held on February 8, 2021. Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “I am pleased to make these well-deserved promotions to individuals who have been recognized for providing dedicated and skilled services to the citizens’ Morris County. I am highly confident that they will provide skillful and ethical leadership to our office and to the law enforcement community when needed most in such historically challenging times. We also wish to honor their families, who often must make the sacrifices to enable our officers to serve the public on a 24/7 on-call basis.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has deferred pre-registration for Phase 2 of the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program.
The deferral accommodates the rollout of additional federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) financing for small businesses, which was not announced when the NJEDA was planning the Small Business Emergency Assistance Loan Program.
More information about economic assistance can be found by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — In a letter to parents of the Lake Hiawatha School Community, Dr. Barbara Sargent said “This letter is to inform you that an individual at Lake Hiawatha School has tested positive for Corona-virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The District is coordinating closely with public health officials and following CDC, state, and local health department guidance in order to assure the health and safety of our community. There were no close contacts with individuals at Lake Hiawatha School.”
Cleaning and disinfecting of all exposed areas have been completed.
We understand the level of concern regarding COVID-19. We encourage all community members to continue following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promoted safeguards, such as:
• Staying home when you are sick;
• Washing hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Covering coughs and sneezes and properly disposing of tissues;
• Limiting close contact with people who are sick and not sharing food, drinks and utensils;
• Practicing social distancing (staying at least 6 feet apart);
• Wearing a face covering while in school; and
• Continuing to monitor your health for symptoms.
As always, we appreciate our community’s support and cooperation. You can assist us by remaining vigilant but sensible in your approach to dealing with this health concern. Should you have any questions about this situation, please feel free to contact Mr. Steve Figurelli – 973-263-4344. Below are some resources that might be helpful.
RESOURCES
a. NJDOH COVID-19 Information for Communities and the General Public: (Click here)
PARSIPPANY — Angela Arcinas’s mom, Mary Jane, 64, died on February 3, 2021, at 1:53 a.m. just thirty minutes after being on FaceTime with Angela. Mary Jane died from COVID-19.
She was just nine months away from retirement after spending the last 44 years working as a nurse and helping and caring for so many different people. Her most important job was the job she had of being Angela’s mom, best friend, and better half.
“I cannot imagine how Angela must feel during this time. Angela is the last person that deserves to deal with this, not that anyone deserves to lose a loved one. During such a scary and unexpected time it is important to come together to support and uplift. We as a community of people that love and care about Angela and her family can come together to help lift some of the financial burdens off. I am unsure of all the costs they will be facing after nearly a month in the ICU, end of life expenses, and anything else Angela might want or need,” said Kathleen Jorgensen, a close friend of Angela.
Let’s all come together to show our love and support for Angela and her family.
PARSIPPANY — Centenary University President Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., has announced that Parsippany resident Sarah Sturges was named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester. To achieve this honor, full-time students must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.8 or above and complete a minimum of 12-semester credits.
Sarah is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2017.
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs in Parsippany, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.
MORRIS COUNTY — Although the lights of Broadway are dark for the foreseeable future, the lights in Dragonetti Auditorium at County College of Morris (CCM) are shining bright! Paying homage to the dazzling excitement of Broadway, the Music, Performing Arts & Music Technologies department at CCM presents “Broadway Night: Reflections From the Past” on February 11, 12, and 13, at 7:30 p.m. in the college’s Dragonetti Auditorium. Tickets to the Broadway review are free with limited seating.
Tickets can be ordered by clicking here and using the password: Broadway.
Directed by Professor Marielaine Mammon, of Mount Olive, 35 performing arts majors will dazzle and delight in singing iconic musical selections from a dozen beloved Broadway shows. “Broadway Night: Reflections From the Past” incorporates a video montage of past CCM productions, celebrating the rich history of the college’s theater program and immersing the vibrant, young thespians of the future. Professor Matthew Swiss, of Randolph, is the musical director, and Professor Colleen McArdle, of Riverdale, is the choreographer.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are only 70 tickets available for each show and there will be no intermission. Masks must be worn at all times. Please park in Lot 6. CCM is located at 214 Cedar Grove Road, Randolph.
PARSIPPANY —Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, announced the 106 recipients of its prestigious 2021 Horatio Alger National Scholarship. These annual scholarships recognize outstanding students, who, in the face of great personal adversity, remain committed to obtaining a college degree.
Out of tens of thousands of applicants, Victoria Bratsos, a West Orange High School student from Parsippany, was one of just 106 students from across the country to receive this prestigious scholarship.
The Horatio Alger Association was established in 1947 to dispel the belief among young people that the American Dream was no longer attainable. Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, the Horatio Alger Association has become one of the largest privately-funded, need-based scholarship providers in the United States and Canada. Today, through its Members, the Association continues to educate American and Canadian students about the economic and personal opportunities afforded them through the two nations’ free-enterprise systems. The Association anticipates awarding a total of $235 million in scholarships to more than 35,000 deserving students by its 75th anniversary in 2022.
“Our organization is thrilled to recognize these 106 remarkable Scholars,” said James F. Dicke II, president, Horatio Alger Association and 2015 Horatio Alger Award recipient. “These students have remained dedicated to furthering their education and giving back to their communities while overcoming many personal adversities, not to mention the additional challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Association is proud to support these remarkable young people and we look forward to witnessing all they will achieve.”
2021 Horatio Alger National Scholars are students who come from households with an average income of $18,871 per year while maintaining an average GPA of 3.88. Each National Scholarship recipient is awarded $25,000 to apply toward educational costs of the college or university of their choice and will have access to a variety of Association-provided resources including counseling and referral services, career exploration opportunities, and Alumni connections.
“Our 2021 National Scholars affirm the Association’s belief that hard work, honesty, and determination can conquer all obstacles,” said Terrence J. Giroux, executive director, Horatio Alger Association. “Through our mission, we will continue to provide promising young people the resources, mentorship, and confidence needed to be successful in whatever it is they choose to do.”
In addition to the scholarship, each National Scholar will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to attend the Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference (NSC) and participate in college preparedness and other educational sessions. There, Horatio Alger Scholars will have an opportunity to learn about the Association, its esteemed members, and the various support programs in which they can partake during their collegiate careers. In conjunction with the NSC, National Scholars will also be recognized at the Association’s 74th Horatio Alger Award Induction Ceremonies, during which the Association will induct the 2021 class of New Members who are all accomplished corporate, civic, and cultural leaders. The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program is wholly funded through private donations from Association Members and friends.
PARSIPPANY — Multiple individuals at Central Middle School have tested positive for COVID-19.
Given the NJ Department of Health guidance, and in coordination with local health officials, the district will enact distance learning for all students and staff at Central Middle School, effective Monday, February. 8.
All other schools in the district will operate in their current status. Central Middle School will be closed for on-site instruction for fourteen days and we will follow the remote learning plan from Monday, February 8 through Friday, February 19.
Central Middle School will reopen for in-person learning for staff and students on Monday, February 22.
The following will be enacted immediately:
All self-contained programs at Central Middle School will be fully remote until February 22.
Students will have NO access to the building during this time.
All extracurricular and athletic programs are canceled during the two-week closure. There will be no practices or games held.
Students should NOT gather indoors with friends.
The custodial staff will thoroughly clean and sanitize all classrooms.
The CMS virtual schedule will be as follows:
Homeroom
8:00-8:03
Period 1
8:03-8:33
Period 2
8:34-9:04
Period 3
9:05-9:35
Period 4
9:36-10:06 6th grade lunch
Period 5
10:07-10:37 7th grade lunch
Period 6
10:38-11:08 8th grade lunch
Period 7
11:09-11:39
Period 8
11:40-12:10
The afternoon will continue to be devoted to teacher-designated small group instruction, tutorial sessions, and office hours. Please see the school’s webpage Afternoon Teacher Schedules for more information about teacher’s afternoon schedules.
We regret the disruption this presents to our students and staff; however, it is imperative that we adhere to the NJ Department of Health and local health guidelines for the safety of our school community. Please continue to assist us by remaining vigilant and sensible in your approach to dealing with this health crisis.
Beginning on Monday, February 8, a daily chart of positive COVID-19 cases listed by each school will be posted under “Family Resources” and “Staff Resources,” on the Parsippany-Tory Hills Board of Education website. Case numbers listed will represent those reported by parents, staff, or the Department of Health directly to the school district. ”
PARSIPPANY — If there is one eatery in Parsippany that can be said to have a dual personality, and I mean that in only the best of ways, it is Vitale’s Trattoria and Italian Deli. This fantastic little restaurant/deli and sub shop, that has been around since 1983, offers a wide variety of some of the best Italian deli, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes that you will find anywhere in the area, as well as an impressive menu that that will satisfy even the hungriest and most demanding customer.
Lasagna Roll Up
And you do not want to miss out on their delicious 18-inch Square Homemade Pizza Pie, a delectable pizza, that can easily rival any of the best in the area. Located in the Parsippany Hills Village strip mall off Route 46 East, it is one of those nondescript, unpretentious restaurants that often goes unnoticed despite its attractive glass and brick façade, as one speed by totally unaware of what they are missing.
Where does dual personality come into the picture, you ask? Vitale’s has a very cool vibe and unusual business plan, 6 days a week (closed Sundays), it is a nice, clean, cozy, and casual delicatessen, with a comfortable ambiance, where you can take out or dine in at any one of the properly spaced tables while enjoying any of the regular, or specialty items on their menu, all of which are generously portioned and reasonably priced.
Patrick Minutillo
But amazingly, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. this quiet little deli metamorphoses itself into an upscale looking, elegant Italian Bistro, serving a full and impressive menu of expertly prepared, mouthwatering, creative, and traditional homemade Italian gourmet dishes that can compete with any of the best Italian restaurants in the area. I have been to Vitale’s many times and can attest to the freshness, high-quality ingredients, and excellent preparation and presentation of their fine cuisine. The service is consistently friendly, prompt, attentive, and helpful; the restaurant is tastefully decorated with nice relaxing lighting, a soft color scheme, pretty murals on the walls, and Italian themed artifacts carefully placed throughout, while soft appropriate music is played in the background, all providing you with a wonderful and satisfying dining experience.
Ronald Letizia
Owned and operated by Ronald Letizia, a genuinely personable, friendly, and likable guy who clearly enjoys what he is doing. It was fun watching Ron interact with customers while slicing up some deli meats and cheeses as he expertly created some hearty looking hoagies. I have to say, they can keep all those chain-style sandwich places, as for me I am heading to Vitale’s. Ron told me that this business was originally opened by his parents, Mona, and Ron and that he eventually took it over and continued to carry on the family tradition of serving great food and providing outstanding, friendly service to all his customers. Ron, a modest man, did express that he is genuinely touched and extremely grateful for all the support he has received from the community and his customers through these difficult times. He went on that he is sincerely grateful to the many people who have gone out of their way, in whatever way they could, whether it be by ordering take out, providing generous tips to his wait staff, or simply by reaching out to help.
Vitale’s Hot Roast Beef Sandwich
This review is based on several visits, so no, I did not eat all this food at once. This week for lunch I did enjoy Vitale’s Hot Roast Beef Sandwich. Layered mounds of hot, moist, tender, juicy, savory, sliced roast beef piled high on a nicely grilled, crusty, and tasty Sorrento’s French Bread, slathered with a melted mound of deliciously gooey, chewy, fresh, in-house made Mozzarella, with Au Jus Gravy. This two-handed, multiple napkin feast was enough to satisfy anyone’s palate, and it came with a plentiful side of roasted potatoes, which I thoroughly enjoyed dipping into my Au Jus gravy. Absolutely fantastic, loved every bite. Who needs to go to Hudson County for a memorable roast beef sandwich when we have one right here in our own neighborhood?
Vitale’s Sloppy Joe Sandwich
A couple of weeks back I tried Vitale’s Sloppy Joe Sandwich. I have tried the famous New Jersey Sloppy Joe (yes, it is a New Jersey thing) from some renown eateries throughout the state, and though they were as great as advertised, Vitale’s Triple Decker Roast Beef, Turkey, Swiss, Slaw masterpiece gives them a run for their money. Not to be redundant, but these sandwiches are not only delicious, but they are also huge. Be prepared to take half, if not more of it home. Of course, being a gavone I ate the whole thing.
Pound cake, topped with ice cream
Capping off a great meal is Vitale’s ever-popular pound cake, topped with ice cream. Sounds simple enough, but it is one delectable way to end a meal. You cannot beat the tasty, robust, sweet taste of this complex mixture of flavors in the moist yet dry, tough yet tender, texture of the pound cake, topped off by the cold, clean flavor of refreshing, sweet, and savory vanilla ice cream. Simple but decadent! Vitale’s does not normally offer dessert on its menu but for a 75 cent per person charge you are welcome to bring your own dessert (I guess that would be a BYOD).
Obviously, Vitale’s is a highly recommended stop, either for a delicious, hearty lunch or dinner or for a gourmet Italian feast on one of those above noted evenings. I have no doubt you will leave a happy diner, with your appetite satiated and promising yourself a return visit in the extremely near future.
As always, please try to come out and help support all our local, small independent businesses in any way you can.
Ample Parking, Take Out, Delivery, Dine-In, Catering Available, BYOB
Closed Sundays – Hours or Services may Differ Due to COVID-19
Please contact the business directly to verify hours and availability.
Note: There is a 4% Processing Fee Applied to Credit Card Purchases
Vitale’s Trattoria and Italian Deli is located at 1541 Route 46, Parsippany. For more information call (973) 334-9010.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its Planning Board meeting on Monday, February 8, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.
Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.
Click here to download the planning board meeting agenda.
The board will hear testimony on the following applications:
Agenda: Application No. 20:528
Target Corporation
1123 Route 46,
Block: 729 Lot: 7
Minor Site Plan w/‘C’ Variance
The Minor Site Plan requests approval to re-stripe eight (8) individual parking spaces to create six (6) new drive-up stalls with the installation of two (2) free-standing solar-powered, internally-illuminated drive-up directional signage beacons, together with “c” variance relief from Ordinance Sections 430-284.E related to signage area; and 430-276.A related to parking.
Amee S. Farrell, Esquire Attorney for Applicant, Target Corp. Kaplin Stewart Meloff Reiter & Stein, PC 910 Harvest Drive Blue Bell, PA 19422 (610) 260-6000
Application No.: 20:524
Lidl U.S. Operations
435 North Beverwyck Road
Block: 483 Lots: 1
Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan w/‘C’ Variance Major Soiling Moving Permit
Carried from December 7, 2020
The law firm of INGLESINO, WEBSTER, WYCISKALA & TAYLOR, LLC, 600 Parsippany Road, Suite 204, Parsippany. Attorneys for Lidl U.S. Operations, LLC
Despite the questionable legalities of pushing out a tenant with three years remaining on his lease, replacing our neighborhood Foodtown with the no-frills Germany-based Lidl market is not right for our town and residents. While Holly Gardens has the right to sell its property, subject to its existing leases, the town has a responsibility to ensure that any change in the use of the property is well-aligned with the interests of the community. The alternative threat by the property owner to put in less desirable multi-unit housing should not bully our town council and planning board into submission here.
As life-long residents and business owners in town, we know that bringing in a pre-packaged off-brand market is all wrong for the community. Residents, including ourselves, rely on the Foodtown and Hiawatha Pharmacy for so many of our daily needs and personal services that Lidl will not provide. Minimal staffing is part of their business model. Replacing a fresh meat market and deli with pre-packaged meats of questionable origins will force many residents to drive to stores outside of town at a great inconvenience. Many residents, including our seniors, can’t or choose not to shop for their groceries or get their medications on the highway.
A full-service supermarket is a necessity in town, and our community does have a say in how a large retail parcel in the center of town is utilized.
I would also like to remind the community that it was Victor and Roberto Larocca of Foodtown who very generously donated to our local relief effort following Hurricane Irene. They continue to help many through the pandemic with personalized deliveries to residents unable to leave their homes. Additionally, Atta Rehman of Hiawatha Pharmacy provides the best-personalized service that any customer could hope for. These businesses are essential and we should do everything possible to support them in our town!
If you share our concerns about replacing our Foodtown with Lidl, please communicate them to our council members and mayor.
Their contact info is below:
Michael DePierro – Council President – mdepierro@parsippany.net / 973-263-3333
Loretta Gragnani – Council Vice President – lgragnani@parsippany.net / 973-263-4350
Paul Carifi Jr – Council Member – pcarifijr@parsippany.net / 973-993-9117
Janice McCarthy – Council Member – jmccarthy@parsippany.net / 973-263-4351
Emily Peterson – Council Member – epeterson@parsippany.net / 973-263-4351
Michael Soriano – Mayor – action@parsippany.net / 973-263-4262
Adam and Terry Checke
Lake Hiawatha Residents and Owners of Landmark Floral
Editors Note: Click here to access the meeting to be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — Sydney Petzinger of Parsippany High School and Aneri Path of Parsippany Hills High School are 2021 High School Award Winners representatives for the National Girls and Women in Sports Day through the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA).
Cristina Fernandez was named NJAIAW Woman of the Year. (Click here for the article).
Since 1972, and the creation of Title IX there has been a 445% increase in women playing college sports and 990% increase in girls playing in high school sports.
It is evident that with the creation of Title IX, its impact is long term and far-reaching. Congratulate all of the outstanding accomplishments of the girls and women who represent Parsippany today. Let’s Lead Her Forward.
Seton Hall cross country senior Cristina Fernandez
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Cristina Fernandez, a senior at Seton Hall University, has been named New Jersey Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW) Woman of the Year.
The NJAIAW celebrates the women and girls of NJ and their contributions to the sport.
The group awards Woman of the Year accolades to outstanding female student-athletes throughout NJ for their significant contributions to their institution and community through athletic accomplishments, academic success, and community involvement. Not only is Cristina an excellent student and a fantastic cross-country athlete, but she is also a long-time volunteer at Saint Peter the Apostle’s food pantry, serving the community of Parsippany.
Cristina is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn is urging Governor Phil Murphy to reconsider restrictions on spectators at indoor sports venues following Wednesday’s announcement of increased capacity and dining hours for restaurants and certain businesses.
“If casinos and entertainment venues can increase capacity, then parents should be permitted to watch their children play indoor sports under those same limits. Arbitrarily applying different rules for spectators at a sports game doesn’t make any sense,” said Dunn (R-Morris).
Currently, indoor practices and competitions are limited to ten people. However, if the number of individuals who are necessary for practice or competition, such as players, coaches, and referees, exceeds 10, the practice or competition may proceed provided no spectators are present.
“As long as there are safety protocols like social distancing and masks, I don’t understand why parents need to be subjected to different rules than if they were to go to the gym or theater,” said Dunn. “These student-athletes and parents are playing by the rules, but yet they are subjected to restrictions that defy logic. Parents deserve to supervise their children when they are participating in an activity. I would like the governor to reexamine the facts and help restore some sense of normalcy for these student-athletes and moms and dads.”
Earlier this week, Murphy announced restaurants, entertainment venues, and gyms could operate past 10:00 p.m. and increase capacity limits to 35 percent from 25, with a maximum of 150 people.
Following one of the biggest recent snowfalls, I would first like to recognize the members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Department of Public Works for a job well done. And our neighbors who helped local seniors and those with disabilities. As well those who cleared around their nearest fire hydrants.
It was great seeing Parsippany, the Empire Diner, and Mayor Soriano on WCBS TV2 and also on Channel 12 thanking the township workers and the members of the volunteer fire departments, many of who staffed the firehouses to ensure a quick response during the heavy snowfall.
Grateful to live in Parsippany and in the Rainbow Lakes Section of our township.
Every year, during discussions about the new budget, the subject of transferring money from the utility surpluses to the general budget inevitably comes up. The massive utility rate increases that were recently approved have strengthened the balance sheet on the utility side, but they have also made it easier to continue using transfers to subsidize the general budget. In my opinion, the administration and the council should take action this year to eliminate these transfers once and for all.
Two years ago, council members Peterson and McCarthy first proposed the simplest way to eliminate the transfers – that is, raise taxes by whatever amount is necessary. I now agree with them, but with one modification.
I estimate that an increase in taxes of 5½% above the 2% cap, or 7½% in total, would be sufficient to eliminate the entire utility transfer amount of $2.5 million. But I believe that the extra 5½% needed to eliminate the transfers can be assessed in a way that is actually revenue neutral to the taxpayer.
Once the utilities are freed from having to make these transfers, the revenue in the utility budgets will increase by $2.5 million. These are excess funds that the utilities really don’t need now, because of the recently approved utility rate increases of 39%. So, increasing general budget tax rates by a sufficient amount to eliminate the utility transfers can be made revenue neutral to the taxpayer by simultaneously decreasing part of the 39% utility rate increase by an amount equal to the transfers they no longer have to make.
As a bonus, by shifting some taxation from the utilities to the general budget, participants in the Senior Freeze Program will actually see their total tax bill reduced. Under the Senior Freeze, participants are shielded from any increases in the general budget because any tax increase over the freeze number is reimbursed by the state. In contrast, utility rate increases come directly out of pocket and are not reimbursed. For the record, I am not eligible for the Senior Freeze Program.
I believe that the council has a fiduciary obligation to the taxpayers, especially the ones who participate in the Senior Freeze Program, to adopt some form of this proposal.
Application No. 19:67, Francisco Mateo, 21 Farrand Drive, Block: 712 Lot: 25 Zone: R-3 ‘C’ Variance to legalize an existing pool, pool equipment and patio contrary to Sec. 430-35 Cols. 9 & 13.
Application No. 20:36, Vamsi Kolli, 35 Lake Drive, Block: 438 Lot: 1 Zone: R-3, “C’ Variance to legalize a shed on a concrete pad contrary to Sec. 430-10.C. (Side and Rear Yards).
Application 20:46, Michael Di Giuseppe, 19 Ogden Place, Block: 708 Lot: 4 Zone: R-3 ‘C’ Variance to construct an irregular inground swimming pool & patio and 6 ft. high fence contrary to Sec. 430-11.A. and Section 430-35 Col. 13.
Application 19:63 NY Renaissance, 1209 Littleton Road, Block: 199 Lot: 48.1 Zone: R-3 Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan/“C/D” Variance/Major Soil Move to construct a building for residential and commercial use. Carried from October 21, 2020
Application 20:41, Bobst North America, Inc., 10 Waterview Boulevard, Block: 421 Lot: 29.2. Zone: COD, ‘C’ Variance for signage.
Application 20:18, Jonnalagadda, 138 North Beverwyck Road, Block: 511 Lot: 2 Zone: B-5. Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan w/‘C’/‘D’ Variance for construction of a mixed-use building. Carried from December 2, 2020
PARSIPPANY — If there is one eatery in Parsippany that can be said to have a dual personality, and I mean that in only the best of ways, it is Vitale’s Trattoria and Italian Deli. This fantastic little restaurant/deli and sub shop, that has been around since 1983, offers a wide variety of some of the best Italian deli, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes that you will find anywhere in the area, as well as an impressive menu that that will satisfy even the hungriest and most demanding customer.
Dear Editor:
