PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council agenda meeting Tuesday, December 1 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 for the council meeting agenda.
• Click here for a link to the meeting.

  Step-by-Step Guides

• Click this link for a step-by-step guide on registering to attend the council meeting.
• Click on this link for a step-by-step guide on joining the council meeting through WebEx.

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

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany Troy-Hills Health Department was notified on November 25, that a skunk off Oswego Avenue in the Lake Hiawatha section has tested positive for the Rabies virus.

Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.

Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats.  You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know.  Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS.  Do not make pets of wild animals.  Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated, and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs, or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.

Please keep garbage in a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled birdseed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods.

If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspected animal; please act promptly.  Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the Health Department.  If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, please contact the Parsippany Health Department at (973) 263-7160 and your Veterinarian.

PARSIPPANY — Two-year-old Tofu came to us with a broken back. His family had let him suffer for weeks or longer before we were finally able to convince them to relinquish him to the rescue. Tofu has been seen by a specialist, gotten his wheels, and is ready for adoption!!!

Tofu is a Shih Tzu and will need to be in his wheelchair for the rest of his life. We are looking for a special family with similar special needs dog experience to adopt him. Tofu LOVES other dogs and also really enjoys going for walks! He’s still a playful pup despite his life-changing injury.

Tofu needs to go to aqua therapy and will need to be seen by a neurologist regularly for check-ups. He is so sweet, affectionate, and funny we know he is worth the extra care!

Due to his injury, Tofu needs to be expressed 3 times a day to urinate. When he is left alone, he is put in a small area to make sure he is still comfortable but also safe. He loves treats, getting snuggles from his foster dads, and loving on his doggy foster siblings.

If you’re looking to open your home to a very special, sweet boy, apply to adopt Tofu!

If you are interested in adopting Tofu, please fill out an application by clicking here.

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MORRIS COUNTY —New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service and be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation.

All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors.  For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at (732) 850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer click here.

PARSIPPANY — Morris County authorities are reporting a moderate increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases, consistent with a statewide uptick, citing a correlation with increased indoor gatherings prompted by cooler outdoor temperatures.

“New Jersey is seeing moderate increases in community spread of COVID-19 and the New Jersey Department of Health has indicated that it is anticipating a second wave. There has been an increase in a transmission associated with gatherings, especially gatherings held indoors,” said Morris County Health Officer Carlos Perez.

Morris County reports that the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Parsippany from November 17 to November 23 has increased by 97 new cases.

Below is the revised new COVID-19 cases in Morris County during the same period.

The County Office of Health Management and local health departments continue to perform essential duties to prevent the spread of infections, including enhanced surveillance and contact tracing, which is the process of identifying and notifying people who may have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 to prevent further spread of the disease.

“It is important that persons instructed to quarantine and isolate by their local health department and/or healthcare provider do so to prevent the spread of infection,” said Perez.

Contact tracers, he said, will not ask for social security numbers, bank or credit card information, health insurance information, immigration status, or criminal history.
“They are only following up about potential exposure to COVID-19 cases, to determine if a person has symptoms and needs to self-isolate. Report any calls from persons identifying themselves as contact tracers and requesting such information to your local police department,” Perez said.

Health professionals emphasize that COVID-19 is preventable if individuals:
1. Wear a cloth face covering when in public (both indoors and outdoors).
2. Practice social distancing (maintain a 6-foot space between you and others).
3. Follow good respiratory hygiene recommendations.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands.
5. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or eyes with unclean hands.
6. Get a flu shot.
7. Stay home if you are sick and avoid sick people.
8. If you become ill, call your healthcare provider before going to a doctor’s office or the emergency department of a hospital.

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.