PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Planning Board has scheduled a meeting for Monday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Some of the items on the agenda include 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 and other business: The District at 1515.

This meeting will be held virtually. To login into the meeting click here. To view a copy of the agenda click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Acting on a commitment to further promote transparency in policing and build trust between police officers and the communities they serve, Governor Phil Murphy signed two pieces of legislation (S1163 and A4312), which concern the use of body-worn cameras by members of law enforcement.

The Governor also signed executive Order No. 201, which establishes a 14-member Interagency Working Group to provide recommendations to the Governor’s Office and Attorney General regarding technology solutions to facilitate the statewide implementation of body-worn cameras in law enforcement agencies. The Working Group will work to identify barriers to adopting body-worn cameras and recommend technology solutions to facilitate their implementation.

“We’ve made it clear that New Jersey will be second-to-none in enacting vital reforms to promote transparency and boost public confidence in law enforcement,” said Governor Murphy. “Body-worn cameras are a wise all-around investment in public safety that not only redouble our commitment to transparency and accountability but also ensure that members of law enforcement are equipped with an important tool to help them carry out their sworn duties. Today represents another step down what we know is a long road to a full understanding and lasting trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

“New Jersey has made great strides to promote a greater degree of professionalism, accountability, and transparency within our law enforcement agencies and our state is committed to ensuring that our officers feel supported when they are in the line of duty,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “This legislation being signed today is about developing greater accountability and establishing trust between police officers and the people who rely on them every day to keep our communities safe.”

“We are in the midst of a national reckoning on racial justice, which has highlighted a lack of trust between law enforcement and many of the communities we serve,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. “Since day one, we have been committed to rebuilding and strengthening that trust, and we know that body-worn cameras are an important tool in those efforts. They encourage professionalism, promote better interactions between police and the public, and have been universally welcomed by agencies across our state. Today, we not only take an important step towards the uniform, statewide use of body-worn cameras but also towards making New Jersey a national leader on yet another set of policing policies and best practices. I thank the Governor and the Legislature for their leadership and support in these efforts.”

“Today is a great day for New Jersey law enforcement and the communities we serve. The statewide implementation of body-worn cameras represents an important step in strengthening the bonds of trust between police departments and communities while fostering greater transparency and accountability,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  “The New Jersey State Police has learned that recording interactions with the public from patrol vehicles for the last two decades has been a valuable asset in protecting both our citizens and our troopers alike.  The addition of body-worn camera technology is yet another layer of protection for our men and women in law enforcement and the communities they serve.”

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy and his staff for their relentless efforts in making sure all officers have body cameras for the protection of the community as well as law enforcement,” said Reverend John Taylor, New Jersey State Police Chaplain. “What a great day for New Jersey to be leading the way for the nation.”

>”The body-worn camera has proven to be an excellent tool for law enforcement officers,” said Quovella Spruill, Executive Vice President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives NJ Chapter. “Unfortunately, the principal detraction to this valuable technology is the cost. This has made them unattainable for many jurisdictions. These bills for body-worn camera usage and funding are long overdue. Law enforcement and the community agree on the transparency needed to aid in protecting everyone’s rights. As a mother of teenagers, woman of color, and law enforcement executive, I see how these tools can better serve in improving our relationships with our youth and citizens.”

The signing of this bill into law today is a win for our communities and law enforcement,” said Carolyn Chang, Past President, and Current Social Justice Committee Chair, Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey. “On behalf of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, we thank the Governor and leaders in both chambers for enacting this new law.

“I commend Governor Phil Murphy for taking the necessary steps to ensure the statewide use of this effective public safety tool,” said Camden Mayor Frank Moran. “In our community, body-worn cameras have proven to be instrumental in the protection and accountability of police officers and residents alike.”

“Today, as law enforcement, we must work with our community and policy leaders with reflection and deliberation on the topics of policing and social justice reform,” said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association. “When we have conversations, we get results that equal progress. I thank the bill sponsors and Governor Murphy and his team for including the STFA in the important conversations with respect to legislation on BWC.”

“This bill will ensure transparency for both the public and our law enforcement members,” said Pat Colligan, President, New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association (NJSPBA). “It will enhance officer safety and help us continue the extraordinarily high level of service we continue to provide the residents of our state.”

“The Fraternal Order of Police endorses Assembly Bill 4312 and its passage into law today,” said Bob Fox, President of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police. “Body-worn cameras are a definitive tool for ensuring the safety of our brave men and woman in law enforcement, as well as, the people they serve. Body-worn cameras represent another tool for law enforcement to utilize in the quest for the safety and security of the people while providing the latest technology in our pursuit of transparency. This law and its funding will help continue the public trust and ensures the technology-based applications are used for the betterment of all New Jersey residents.”

S1163 requires every uniformed State, county, and municipal patrol law enforcement officer to wear a body-worn camera, subject to funding appropriated by the Legislature. Exceptions are permitted for officers engaged in undercover assignments, meeting with confidential informants, performing administrative or non-uniformed duties, and when directed by a superior officer for a lawful purpose.

The bill was sponsored by Senators Shirley Turner and Linda Greenstein, and Assemblymembers Herb Conaway and Cleopatra Tucker.

“Police body cameras have become an essential part of community policing today,” said Assemblymembers Cleopatra Tucker, Herb Conaway, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Shavonda Sumter, in a joint statement. “They aim to ensure accountability for any actions which take place during a police stop, whether it is by the officer or a resident. Tensions surrounding community policing escalated after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The distrust between communities of color and law enforcement was once again highlighted in the national spotlight. A body camera is only one way of ensuring greater transparency and accountability for law enforcement, and to rebuilding community relations; however, it will be a uniquely powerful tool in getting there.”

A4312 regulates the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers. Under the bill, officers would be required to keep the camera activated when responding to a call for service or when initiating law enforcement or investigative encounter. When immediate activation of the camera is impossible or dangerous, an officer would be required to activate the camera at the first reasonable opportunity to do so. Officers would be required to notify subjects that the camera is activated and, under certain conditions, may deactivate a camera upon the subject’s request. To protect the privacy of civilians in sensitive situations, the bill limits the use of body-worn cameras while officers are on school property, in medical facilities, and in houses of worship.

The bill was sponsored by Assemblymembers Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shavonda Sumter, and Cleopatra Tucker, and Senators Nia Gill and Shirley Turner.

“As we work to improve policing in New Jersey, setting clear guidelines for body camera usage is crucial for transparency, accountability, and public confidence, safeguarding both citizens and law enforcement officers,” said Senator Gill. “These regulations will provide clear guidelines for how these body cameras are used allowing for consistency and reliability when footage is needed and pulled.”

“In recent years, body cameras have become a valuable tool for transparency, exposing instances of police misconduct and helping to hold officers accountable,” said Senator Turner. “They also protect officers against false accusations and reduce the legal costs associated with use-of-force lawsuits, which are ultimately paid for by taxpayers.  Body cameras will help to create safer communities, and both officers and civilians will benefit greatly from rebuilding trust between police officers and the communities they have sworn to serve and protect.”

A copy of Executive Order No. 201 can be found here by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — The thrift shop at St. Christopher Church, 2nd Hand Rose Thriftique, is gearing up for more than one celebration. This month marks the ninth-year anniversary of the nonprofit store with the bright pink doors. Black Friday is this week which marks the start of the official holiday shopping season.

That means lots to do and to decorate for coordinator Patricia Taylor.

Second Hand Rose Thrift Shop has something for everyone … when you enter this thrift shop, it will amaze you with all the items that are available. New, Used, and Vintage merchandise.

Taylor showed off a huge array of wares, including household items, unique collectibles, toys, teddy bears, games, books, clothing, shoes, CDs, DVDs, and more. They even have quality items and great holiday baskets.

Taylor said she opened the shop out of pure love—for the church and for her longtime passions: decorating and design.

One challenge for 2nd Hand Rose is letting people know about its merchandise and bargain prices.

“Right now, we get a mention in the church bulletin, but not everyone reads that,” she said. “I hope people spread the word because there are really good buys here.”

Second Hand Rose Thriftique is located at 1050 Littleton Road, on the grounds of St. Christopher’s Church.

For any questions contact Pat at (973) 713-4939.

PARSIPPANY — Craig Allan Mascenik, 29, passed away suddenly, Friday, November 20, 2020 at his home in Byram.

Born in Ridgewood he had lived in the Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, Mount Tabor area for twenty years, and in Sparta before coming to Byram.

Craig was self-employed and had worked in landscaping, auto repair, and most recently construction.

He was an avid Chargers and Rangers fan.

Survivors include his loving parents, Richard J. and Patricia A. (nee Leahy) Mascenik; his beloved siblings, John Mascenik and his wife Michelle, Justin Mascenik and his companion, Samantha Hoffman, Colin Mascenik, and Chelsea Mascenik; his nephews and niece, Clyde, Maverick, and Elvira Mascenik; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Friday evening, November 27, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at S.J. Priola Parsippany Funeral Service, 60 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, November 28, 12:30 p.m. at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, Parsippany. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to The Sunrise House, 37 Sunset Inn Road, Lafayette, NJ 07848 For further information click here.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Elks Lodge #2078 donated $2,000 to Parsippany Food Pantry.  Accepting the donation from Joseph Serrecchia, Exalted Ruler, is Michele Picone from Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Human Services. The Lodge donated the money to the food bank to make a difference in our community as people find themselves unemployed or underemployed due to the pandemic. The need is greater and the opportunity to positively and immediately impact the community is greater.

On June 1, the Elks National Foundation released $3.7 million for the Spotlight Grants. These $2,000 grants are available to every Lodge to shine the light on COVID-19 relief, for there is no more pressing issue facing American communities than the response to the pandemic. But the needs will look different in different communities, so we’ve built in more flexibility this year. As people find themselves unemployed or underemployed, local food banks and food pantries will feel the strain and will have an increased need for donations and supplies.

The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For additional information call (973) 263-7163.

PARSIPPANY — Would you like to have more control and influence over the future you and your children will share?  By engaging in local projects and decision making you can make a positive impact and improve the quality of life in our town, in our state, and in the world.  If this sounds interesting, the Parsippany Green Team offers an opportunity for you to apply your passion and skills to make this happen.

As you can see on the Facebook page (Click here), the mission is to collaborate with the residents, town government, and business community to identify and implement programs that improve our quality of life and the physical, environmental and financial sustainability of our community. In Oct 2019, the Parsippany Town Council adopted Resolution 2019-192, supporting participating in the Sustainable NJ municipal certification. Forming a Green Team of interested residents and municipal employees is part of this process.

They are looking for individuals who have ideas on how to improve life in Parsippany.  Chances are those ideas may fall in one of the Green Team’s existing areas of interest.  You may also propose that the Green Team add your “innovative project” to their list.  Their current areas of interest include:

• Improving animal/human interactions in the community
• Bringing arts and creative culture to the community and municipal activities
• Addressing the problems and opportunities of brownfields
• Creating community partnership and outreach to improve sustainability
• Improving diversity and equity in municipal operations and decisions
• Improving emergency management and resiliency to protect citizens from climate change and other risks
• Reducing energy usage, improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing use of green energy technologies, transitioning to electric vehicles
• Increasing availability and quality of food
• Incorporating green design principles in all forms of construction
• Ensuring health and wellness issues are incorporated in all municipal actions
• Ensuring land use and transportation plans support all stakeholders, including stormwater management and historic preservation
• Increasing and recognizing green business actions and improving the local economy
• Protecting and improving the use of natural resources including water, open space, trees/woodlands and increasing consideration of environmental issues in local developments
• Adopting green policies in purchasing, operations, and maintenance activities
• Improving public information and engagement in municipal activities
• Measuring and reducing municipal and resident carbon footprints, developing climate and sustainability action plans
• Reducing waste and improving management including composting, recycling, and reuse programs.

You can find more details about each of these areas by clicking here.

“The existence of a municipally sanctioned Green Team makes it much easier for anyone who joins to implement a program since it will have the support of both the experienced members of the team as well as the township government and administration,” said Matt Kavanagh, leader of the PGT.  “We are looking for people who want to make a difference, no experience necessary.  All you need is a desire to improve life in Parsippany and a willingness to take action,” he added.

“Local action is incredibly important if we are going to improve our environment and increase our sustainability,” said PGT co-leader, Judy Hernandez.  “With this initiative, we all have an opportunity to participate to improve the common good. We have an abundance of talent in our town and every action, no matter the size can have a ripple effect. I encourage anyone who wants to be a part of this positive mission to join our team.”

Interested residents can contact the PGT at parsippanygreenteam@gmail.com.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 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 agenda.

Click here to join the meeting.

For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq. invites Morris County High School students to participate in the annual 2021 Morris County Cover Contest. Please note that this competition is limited to high school students in Morris County.

The top three images, selected by a panel of judges, will receive a financial reward and the 1st place winner’s design will be used as the cover for the 2021 Morris County Manual. The financial awards for the winning contestants are as follows:

FIRST PRIZE: $500.00

SECOND PRIZE: $200.00

THIRD PRIZE: $100.00

The manual has been produced by the Clerk’s office since 1906 and contains valuable information regarding county and municipal services and departments as well as lists of appointed and elected officials, their addresses, and telephone numbers. Consequently, the manual is used extensively as a resource by government officials and county residents. I invite you to take a look at a copy of the 2020 manual by clicking the link below.

The winning contestants, their art teachers, and guests will be honored at a continental breakfast reception in my private conference room, contingent upon COVID-19 gathering guidelines. Additionally, the top three designs will be displayed in the foyer leading to my office.

Click here to find the rules for entry. Please note that the contest is only open to students who are currently enrolled in a Morris County High School, students must provide the name of their art teacher, grade, and name of their school in the body of the email upon submission.

Please note that all 2021 Morris County Manual submissions must be received by December 4, 2020.

For more details click here.

PARSIPPANY — Amid the COVID-19 global pandemic, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Parsippany focused on bringing together the Hindu community through five days of virtual Diwali celebrations. During this period, the traditions celebrated present an opportunity to reflect and introspect on one’s personal, professional, and spiritual growth.

Diwali is celebrated every year on the first lunar phase of the moon when the moon provides no light and the world is enveloped in darkness. The ancient practice of lighting divos, or traditional lamps, during the days of Diwali, not only erases physical darkness but also symbolizes one’s commitment to remove darkness –in the form of anger, greed, arrogance, and resentment – from their life. The festival’s rich traditions and rituals marked by bright colors of Rangoli (ornate designs made of colored powder), the lamps, the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us. Diwali presents Hindus with an opportunity to reaffirm themselves with the rich values and traditions of the religion.

Many families would generally gather at the BAPS Mandir to celebrate this festival.  However, due to all of the health and safety concerns this year, the BAPS organization provided live, interactive programs throughout the holiday season to bring the community together while suggesting activities that each family can partake in and share with others online.  One such activity was the observation of New Year’s Day which occurs the day after Diwali. BAPS mandirs the world over celebrate this day by offering Annakut (Meaning of “Mountains of Food”)  to the sacred images within the shrines of the mandir.  The 100s of food items are generally made by followers of the faith in their homes and brought to the mandir.  This year, however, families were encouraged to make fresh vegetarian delicacies and offer them to the images that are kept at home, with the same spirit and to share pictures of this and other Diwali activities online.

Although no grand celebrations were held at the mandir this year, BAPS did offer limited viewings of the sacred images, during the Diwali season.  Due to the auspiciousness of the holiday, many Hindus come to view and pray before the images on these days.  As a part of its ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, the organization’s humanitarian arm – BAPS Charities – organized a Food Drive and requested all who come to the mandir to bring non-perishable food items to help those most affected by the pandemic.  Over 150 items were collected to be donated to a local food bank.

“My wife, Bijal Patel, and I have vivid memories of celebrating Diwali with great fanfare with my neighbors, family, and friends here at the local BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Parsippany for the last several years. This past year has been unprecedented! Diwali is no different. Despite the limitations that the pandemic poses in gathering with extended family and the larger community to celebrate, my family made the most of the virtual arrangements and programs that the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Parsippany made. From a Diwali at Home preparation kit to virtual facilitation of traditional Diwali rituals, my family and I felt like we were part of something a lot larger- right from the comfort of our homes! When I settled in New Jersey and started my family, I’ve always wanted to maintain the traditions of my culture but found it difficult to replicate many of those experiences for my children. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir’s virtual Diwali celebrations helped us to keep that tradition alive- even this year. My kids especially enjoyed the Kids Diwali virtual program, which emphasized the importance of making good decisions and being a good person,” said Ronak Patel.

About BAPS
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a worldwide spiritual and humanitarian organization that is dedicated to community service, peace, and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families, and individuals. Through various spiritual and humanitarian activities, BAPS endeavors to develop better citizens of tomorrow with high esteem for their roots and culture. Its 3,300 international centers support these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.

About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He has ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he has appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world, inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.

About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, December 2020