MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Clerk’s Office has received reports of voters receiving duplicate ballots, ballots for voters who have moved away, and ballots for voters who are deceased.
This East Hanover resident received three additional ballots, two deceased residents and one who married years ago and moved away
Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #177 mandated that the 2020 New Jersey General Election be conducted by universal mail-in ballots. Consequently, County Clerks in the State were required to automatically mail ballots to all voters who are listed as “active” in the State Voter Registration System.
Although County Clerk must rely on voter information contained in the State Voter Registration system they do not have lawful jurisdiction to update or manage the state system. It is maintained by the State, Board of Elections offices, and, in some counties, the Superintendent of Elections.
If you receive a ballot that is addressed to someone who does not live at your address, is deceased, or if you receive a duplicate ballot, please mark it “return to sender” and place it back in your mailbox for the U.S. Postal Service to return to the county election office.
You can also contact the board of elections at (973) 285-6715 with any issues.
PARSIPPANY — This 10 to 15 pound, female Yorkie went missing from her owner’s vehicle while at Wawa on New Road on Tuesday, October 6, at approximately 10:45 a.m.
If you have any information on this dog or her whereabouts, please call Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Surveillance footage was checked, but the vehicle was out of range due to its location.
PARSIPPANY — Councilwomen Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson commended their colleagues on the Township Council for unanimously passing resolution R2020-180, urging Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) to take action following recent failures resulting from Tropical Storm Isaias or forego any proposed utility rate increase.
With Parsippany consistently left out in the dark with no electricity following inclement weather, it has become readily apparent that some serious thinking needs to be done regarding upgrades for our aging electrical infrastructure. First Energy, the parent company of JCP&L, continues to take in millions of dollars in profit every year yet consistently fails to make any meaningful upgrades to prevent long-term outages like the ones faced in the aftermath of this most recent storm. To make things worse, JCP&L is asking for permission from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to raise utility rates while our residents are struggling to make ends meet. Resolution R2020-180 calls on the NJBPU to reject any utility rate increase this year unless a serious commitment is made by JCP&L to prevent a situation like this from occurring in the future.
Councilwoman Janice McCarthy said, “None of our residents should have to wait weeks or even days to have their power restored, especially during a serious pandemic that is forcing many of us to stay at home. Our resolution will make it clear that residents have had enough dealing with these issues storm after storm and the need for JCP&L to do what is right.” Councilwoman Emily Peterson added, “The frequency and consistency with which Parsippany experiences power outages is not limited to major storms or weather events. It’s important that in calm winds, we take the opportunity to investigate and repair the issues that are too often the cause of outages when a major event happens. We are asking for those infrastructure analyses to be done and system improvement to be made.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Zelante, and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce the hiring of Detective Matthew G. Belcastro, Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Bennett, Assistant Prosecutor Jessica L. Marshall, and Detective Raquelin Perea.
On Monday, October 5, Prosecutor Knapp, Acting Chief Kimker, Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., and Honorable Philip J. Maenza, J.S.C. administered the oaths of office to the new Assistant Prosecutors for whom they had served as law clerks. Prosecutor Knapp administered the oaths of office to the two detectives.
Detective Belcastro will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. He was previously a Patrol Officer for the Chatham Borough Police Department. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Kutztown University and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Detective Belcastro has earned several professional law enforcement certifications and awards. He also holds administrative positions in volunteer organizations. AP Bennett will be assigned to the Megan’s Law Unit. He graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He worked as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Philip J. Maenza, J.S.C., Morris/Sussex Vicinage, and as a Student Attorney for the Criminal Justice Clinic at Seton Hall University School of Law, Center for Social Justice. He also interned for the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. AP Marshall will be assigned to the Appellate Unit. She graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law, received her Bachelor’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and her Associate’s Degree from the County College of Morris. Prior to serving as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr., Superior Court, Criminal Division, Morris/Sussex Vicinage, she worked as a Student Attorney for the Criminal Justice Clinic at Seton Hall University School of Law and a Legal Intern for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Detective Perea will be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. She began her law enforcement career as a Community Service Officer at Rutgers Department of Public Safety and has also served as a Senior Security Officer and Dispatcher at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Police Officer for the Newark Police Department, and as a Sheriff’s Officer for the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.
She has completed credits towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Rutgers University and is a member of several professional law enforcement associations. Prosecutor Knapp welcomed them to the department. Prosecutor Knapp said, “Each of these individuals brings a depth of experience to the MCPO and should be great additions to our staff. We are fortunate to have such talented attorneys and law enforcement professionals join our ranks. They are outstanding additions.”
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Detective Matthew Belcastro, and Acting Chief Chris Kimker
MORRIS COUNTY – Governor Phil Murphy advised individuals traveling to New Jersey from states or territories with significant community spread of COVID-19 to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of the last contact within the identified state or territory. The updated advisory includes the addition of New Mexico, bringing the total to 35 states and territories. The travel advisory applies to any person arriving from a state or territory with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a state with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.
As of Tuesday, October 6, there are currently 35 states and territories that meet the criteria stated above: Alabama; Alaska; Arkansas; Colorado; Delaware; Florida; Georgia; Guam; Iowa; Idaho; Indiana; Illinois; Kansas; Kentucky; Louisiana; Minnesota; Missouri; Mississippi; Montana; North Carolina; North Dakota; Nebraska; New Mexico; Nevada; Oklahoma; Puerto Rico; Rhode Island; South Carolina; South Dakota; Tennessee; Texas; Utah; Wisconsin; West Virginia; and Wyoming.
“We know that COVID-19 is a virus of opportunity, and if we let our guard down and grow complacent, we open a window of opportunity for future outbreaks,” said Governor Murphy. “It remains critically important for anyone arriving in New Jersey from these 35 states and territories to get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.”
Travelers and those residents who are returning from impacted states should self-quarantine at their home, hotel, or other temporary lodgings. Individuals should leave the place of self-quarantine only to seek medical care/treatment or to obtain food and other essential items.
It is expected that individuals will follow the public health advisory to self-quarantine. The list of states will be updated on a rolling basis and is accessible here.
PARSIPPANY — On October 8, NJ Sharing Network and its many healthcare partners and volunteers throughout the state will work together to register as many organ and tissue donors as possible in celebration of Organ Donor Enrollment Day. The non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization has set a goal of amassing at least 2,020 new donor registrations on 2020 Organ Donor Enrollment Day. The 2,020 goal helps create a positive spin on the number ‘2020’ as opposed to the negative ‘2020’ references seen virtually everywhere due to the challenges faced this year.
Currently, there are nearly 110,000 Americans – nearly 4,000 of whom live in New Jersey – waiting for a life-saving transplant.
“Organ Donor Enrollment Day is about taking action and inspiring others to learn more about how they can save lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Joseph S. Roth, president, and chief executive officer of NJ Sharing Network. “One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and restore health to over 75 people. I am confident that everyone’s efforts on Organ Donor Enrollment Day will go a long way toward bringing hope to those currently waiting for a transplant.”
In New Jersey, one person dies every three days waiting for an organ transplant. However, the generosity of those in the Garden State is providing hope for the future. New Jersey’s organ and tissue donor registrations continue to rise thanks to strong community education and outreach efforts as well as simplified ways to register as organ and tissue donors are also helping to save more lives. It is now easier than ever for New Jerseyans to register in any of the following options:
Another key component of Organ Donor Enrollment Day is encouraging those who register to have a conversation with their family and friends about their decision to donate.
“Donation provides comfort and healing to so many families after losing a loved one. It is so important to talk to your family and share your decision about organ donation so your gift is honored,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, vice president, and chief clinical officer, NJ Sharing Network.
Organ Donor Enrollment Day is deeply personal for NJ Sharing Network’s partners, advocates, and volunteers who are motivated to save and enhance the lives of those in need. Jayla Sorenson of Toms River is just one example. Jayla has a kidney disease that limits her ability to filter and clean her blood. The vivacious 8-year-old loves to dance, play outside, and hug and kiss her family members. But the clock is ticking towards a more critical stage in Jayla’s condition that will eventually involve a pediatric kidney transplant. Jayla and her family actively participate in events and programs to promote organ and tissue donation, including Organ Donor Enrollment Day and NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life with Team Jayla’s Journey.
“It’s all about raising awareness and helping others in need because someday we will be the ones in need,” said James Sorenson, Jayla’s father.
Typically, Organ Donor Enrollment Day features local and regional in-person activities and community events to raise awareness that will not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While NJ Sharing Network’s clinical and laboratory team members have continued their around-the-clock efforts to focus on saving and enhancing lives, the organization has developed creative ways to promote its mission virtually in online efforts throughout the pandemic through its robust social media channels, on its website and through targeted e-mails and mailings to its wide circle of supporters. NJ Sharing Network will be providing social media tools that supporters can use. Supporters will also be asked to share their stories about how organ and tissue donation has improved their lives or why they registered as organ donors.
About NJ Sharing Network
Dedicated to saving lives through organ and tissue donation, NJ Sharing Network is the non-profit organization responsible for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue for the nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents waiting for a life-saving transplant. With headquarters in New Providence, NJ, the organization, selected by NJBiz as one of the state’s “Best Places to Work” for the third consecutive year, is also part of the national recovery system, serving the nearly 110,000 people on the national waiting list. To learn more, get involved and register as an organ and tissue donor click here.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presented Grace Field with a plaque displaying a microphone in appreciation of her support to Kiwanis. In addition to providing the entertainment at this year’s New Jersey Kiwanis District Virtual Convention, she has donated her time to fundraisers at Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Grace is the newest member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, joining at their annual installation dinner where she performed for the attendees.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Vice President pins the official Kiwanis Pin on Grace. Photo by Rafael Ortiz PhotographyKiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Laura Wohland presents Grace with the official “Certificate of Membership” welcoming Grace to the Kiwanis family. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography
Grace has been featured on NBC’s the Today Show performing with Hugh Jackman and has been in multiple musical theatre productions across the globe. Ms. Field has sung at theatres including Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre, Broadway’s New Victory Theatre, the Barclay Center, The Public Theatre, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Off Broadway’s New World Stages. Grace has also had the privilege to work with Broadway’s Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, Rebecca Luker, Seth Rudetsky, Anthony Rapp, and others. Ms. Field has also sung with Multi Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald, Cynthia Elviro, Shoshana Bean, and Hollywood walk of fame’s Billy Porter. Field made her New York Public Theatre debut in Alan Menken’s adaptation of Disney’s HERCULES. She most recently performed on Broadway in “Disney on Broadway 25th Anniversary Special” with Whoopi Goldberg at the New Amsterdam Theatre! She is a proud member of the Grammy award-nominated and now Tony Award-Winning group Broadway Inspirational Voices in New York City. Field also is a soloist at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Not only does Grace perform professionally on the stage, but also is a professional pianist, artist, and model.
Field has a huge heart for charity and helping the world through the arts, and has founded Dare to Dream Art Charity which encourages people to donate to local or global charities through the gift of art.
I am deeply encouraged by the nomination of BOE candidate, John Titus. I have known John professionally and personally over the last 18 years and do not believe there is a better candidate for the role.
John is dedicated to serving the public as not only an elementary school but a youth volleyball coach and advisor as well. The most recent example I can provide would be with COVID. With a halt to all face to face learning, John was tasked with remote learning for his classroom and he pivoted with ease. Instead of just providing a syllabus to his students, he conducted full lesson plans and was online for additional hours in case they needed additional help. For volleyball, he proactively created a virtual learning series featuring top professionals from across the country. The series discussed various mental health topics, game strategy, skill development, and coaching tactics.
John also has a very big heart and is constantly thinking of others’ health and safety. As his assistant coach at Caldwell University, John always ensured his players were placed in the right situations and as well as helped them create better environments around them.
If selected, I confidently know John will not only excel at his role on the Board of Education but he will be someone who the town members can confidently know their children’s education is in the right hands.
Please join me in voting for John Titus and the rest of his slate for BOE; Aisha Mahmood and Nilesh Bagdai. 456 on your ballot!
Hello Parsippany citizens! Hopefully, by now you’ve received your mail-in ballot. You will see that my father, Tim Berrios is running for re-election for the Parsippany Troy Hills Board of Education (he is #3).
Back in 2013, I was PHS’s BOE student rep. My dad came with me to every meeting for two years. His experience attending these meetings motivated him to become an agent of change run for the BOE in November 2014. He has held this position for six years.
Since being on the board, my father has advocated for taxpayers, teachers, and -most importantly- the students. He has attended a variety of events throughout the years hosted by all schools. You have probably seen him at PHS and PHHS football games, NHS inductions, concerts, elementary school presentations, plays, and graduations. My father beams with pride at these events. He loves seeing Parsippany students doing what they love.
In the current environment, my father continuously tries to problem solve. Teaching in the middle of a pandemic is something that must be taken seriously. My father continues to ask questions, and strive for answers. He hears the feedback from PTHSD staff, Parsippany families, and the educators in his own family. When the district put out their return plan, my father was the first person to suggest holding in-person BOE meetings, since students and teachers would be reporting in buildings.
Do I have a bias? Yes, we share the same last name. I hold that name with pride. My father has the district’s best interests and heart and truly cares about making a difference. He does not use this as an opportunity for political gain. He’s just a person who cares. If you’d like to hear more about his values or what his thoughts are, please feel free to reach out to me so I can put you in touch with him! No matter what, VOTE!
PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company will not hold their annual “open house” this year due to COVID 19 safety concerns for neighborhood children, adults, along with the members of the Department.
This year’s national fire prevention theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen” as cooking is one the leading cause of home fires. You can do a lot to prevent kitchen fires. Although you can’t remove every possible source of a kitchen fire, you can minimize fire risks by removing hazards and maintaining your kitchen. Follow these prevention tips to keep your kitchen safe:
Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen, especially if you’re cooking in grease or if the oven is at very high heat. Turn off the burner or oven if you need to leave the house or get caught up in a phone call.
Keep appliances serviced, clean, and in good repair. Dump the crumb tray and clean out the toaster crumbs periodically from the toaster or toaster oven. Wipe out the microwave.
Clean the oven (check for mouse nests especially if you haven’t used your oven recently).
Unplug electric appliances when not in use. Toaster ovens, mixers, coffee makers, and so on, continue to draw electricity even when they’re not turned on. So if the wiring is old or faulty, or if the thermostat overheats, a fire could break out.
Install a smoke detector near, but not in the kitchen. You don’t want the small amount of smoke or steam that cooking sometimes generates to constantly trigger the alarm — but you do want it to sense an actual kitchen fire.
Don’t use metal in the microwave. The sparks can turn into fire or can seriously damage your microwave.
Don’t overfill pots or pans with oil or grease. The hot oil or grease, like in this figure, can splatter and cause a fire. Grease buildup is flammable. A clean stove is a fire-free stove.
Always roll up long sleeves and tie back long hair when cooking. You don’t need your beautiful flowing silk sleeves trailing in the spaghetti sauce, and you certainly don’t need to catch on fire!
Keep dish towels, pot holders, and paper towels away from the stove. You might have left a burner on by accident, and built-up heat could ignite combustibles left near or on the stove or oven.
RLVFC is also encouraging families to develop a fire safety plan including what do in case of a fire and take fire prevention steps to prevent fires. Children need to learn what to do when they hear a smoke alarm beeping and hear this frequently from their parents. Families need to share with children the importance of making a fire escape map of their home Below is a rhyme to help your children (and adults also) remember what to do when you hear the smoke alarm beep. Say each line and have them repeat after you.
The house is on fire – Don’t hide, Go outside!
The alarm is beeping – Don’t hide, Go outside!
The smoke is getting higher – Don’t hide, Go outside!
Wake up if you’re sleeping and hear the alarm – Don’t hide, Go outside!
On Tuesday, October 6, Parsippany’s Town Council will conduct a public hearing and a final vote for passage of Ordinances 2020:28 and 2020:29, which will increase water and sewer rates by 39%, effective immediately upon passage. I believe that the ordinances, as written, require improvements in several areas before the council considers them for adoption. These areas include reducing the proposed rates to just what is necessary, transparency, and clarifying wording that deals with the rate effective date.
First, and most importantly, I believe that a 39% rate increase is excessive, based on the revenue that needs to be raised. To illustrate this point, $3.4 million must be withdrawn from the sewer utility fund in order to make ends meet in the 2020 sewer budget. However, if a 39% rate increase is enacted, sewer fee revenues will increase by $5.6 million annually. This $5.6 million is enough to cover the $3.4 million that is currently being withdrawn from the fund balance, with $2 million left over. When the 39% rate increase was originally proposed by the utility consultant, at least two members of the council objected to the size of the increase. Well, their initial reaction was warranted and is supported by the numbers. The council should scale down the size of the rate increase to an amount that is just sufficient to cover the fund balance withdrawals, plus a little extra to cover contingencies.
Regarding transparency, how can the public comment on the rate increases when the amount of increase is not even specified on the ordinance summaries that appear in the council meeting agenda? The ordinance summaries should clearly state that there will be a 39% increase across the board for both utilities. A rate increase of that magnitude will surely generate a lot more feedback than a standard 2% increase. In addition, the full text of the ordinances mentions several reasons why the utility rate increases are necessary, but perhaps the biggest reason is conspicuously absent. There is no mention of the almost $18 million that has been transferred from the utility budgets to the general budget over the last ten years. I think that the public would also like to know that the proposed 39% rate increases do nothing to eliminate these transfers.
Lastly, I think that the wording which says that the ordinance will take place immediately upon the final passage needs to be more precise. Specifically, the wording needs to describe what will happen when part of the quarterly bill is for usage at the old rate and part at the new rate. If the entire bill will be charged retroactively at the new rate, the ordinance should make that clear.
Before the council members cast their final vote on these ordinances, I ask that they consider the suggestions listed above, and amend the ordinances accordingly.
PARSIPPANY — Please be advised, the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6 at 7:00 p.m. Formal action may or not be taken, and any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken. Click here to download a copy of the proposed agenda.
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic Council Meetings will be held via web conferencing. This program will allow the public to listen to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only.
Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to participate they must fill out the registration information using their real name and address, anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling announced that effective Monday, October 5, the Morris County Surrogate’s Office will begin accepting appointments for in-person probate in our newly designed COVID-19 compliant probate rooms.
No walk-in appointments will be permitted and all appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling the Morris County Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500.
Please be advised that to maintain public safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be limited considerably, as compared to the past. They will be accepting a maximum of four appointments in the morning and four appointments in the afternoon each day, Monday through Friday. Clients are limited to having a maximum of one additional person at their appointment (usually their attorney) and no one under the age of 18 will be permitted in the probate rooms. Clients will be required to go through Morris County screening procedures upon entering the building, which includes a temperature check as well as passing through a metal detector. COVID-19 protocols require that masks are worn in the building at all times for everyone’s safety.
“The Surrogate’s office serves some of Morris County’s most vulnerable citizens, including those who have lost a loved one, and I am pleased to again offer these citizens the in-person services that many have been requesting,” said Surrogate Darling.
The Surrogate’s office has been operational and serving Morris County citizens throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by telephone appointments and mail. Surrogate Darling looks forward to bringing back the convenience of in-person appointments as one of the options for probate. “Our online probate platform will be in place at the beginning of November, as previously announced, which will allow our citizens the option of fully remote services from the Surrogate’s Office, providing more options and efficiencies to Morris County, especially our citizens with mobility issues,” the Surrogate said.
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, October 5, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Water Department will begin its annual Hydrant Inspection & Flushing Program in the following areas of town:
Lake Intervale
Hills of Troy
Glacier Hills
The work will be conducted during overnight hours, when water consumption is at a minimum and is expected to conclude on or about October 16.
This program is essential to maintaining the water system which involves systematically opening fire hydrants to increase water flows, therefore allowing to flush any minerals and deposits from the water mains. While flushing the system won’t interrupt your water service, when crews are working in your neighborhood you may notice a temporary drop in your water pressure or discolored water. This is normal and is not a health hazard. If this occurs, simply let your cold water tap run until it is clear. Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check your faucet screens for trapped particles.
If you have any specific questions about the hydrant flushing in your area you may contact the Water Department at (973) 263-7099 Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.
MORRIS COUNTY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA began its annual coat drive now through October 15, in conjunction with The Community Church of Mountain Lakes.
Bring gently used winter coats, jackets, hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens to the lobby of the Y, located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.
All winter clothing supports the Market Street Mission with their coat giveaway.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling joined the many program participants, their families, and guardians in celebrating the reopening of state-funded extended employment programs for people with disabilities.
Surrogate Darling has been very vocal in calling on Gov. Phil Murphy and Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo to restore the programs that employed thousands of individuals with disabilities until they were shut down in March under the Governor’s COVID-19 state of emergency directives.Extended employment providers were recently notified by Commissioner Asaro-Angelo that the re-opening process has begun.
“I am very pleased that the state will reopen these crucial programs that provide employment, jobs, and skills training to people with disabilities,” Darling said, thanking the Governor and Commissioner.
The programs will be reinstated as their written COVID-19 protocols are individually accepted by the DOLProviders are required to have approved re-opening plans to ensure that all appropriate precautions are being implemented to safeguard extended employees and staff.
On August 21, 2020, Surrogate Darling sent a letter to the Governor and DOL Commissioner requesting the programs be reopened.The Governor responded on September 2, 2020, by offering federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to reopen the programs, but no reopening dates were provided.
On September 3, 2020, Surrogate Darling issued a joint statement with Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (NJ-26) urging the Governor to provide a specific date for the reopening.Surrogate Darling also worked with extended employment programs, their directors, and advocates in a campaign for the reopening, sharing posts and videos on social media and calling for others to write letters or sign onto existing letters in support of reopening the programs.
“The lives of people in the disabled community have been severely impacted. It is crucial that they be able to return to work and resume as much of a normal life as every other citizen in New Jersey, and now they will,” Darling said.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, September 23, at 10:49 a.m., Ms Mamie Friday, 58, Morristown, was travelling on Route 46 west and attempted to make a left turn onto South Beverwyck Road and failed to stop at the red left turn signal and crossed the path of a vehicle driven by Aakash Jethva, 29, Parsippany, which was travelling east on Route 46 and had a green traffic light.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Damon Farms determined Ms Friday failed to observe a red traffic signal and failed to yield to Ms. Jethva which caused the collision.
Ms. Friday’s passenger, a 5-year-old Morristown resident and Ms. Jethva’s passenger a 52-year-old Parsippany resident was transported to Morristown Medical Center along with both drivers. Due to HIPPA laws, Parsippany Focus is not provided with the conditions of the patients.
Ms. Friday’s vehicle, a 2014 Nissan Murano was towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing. Ms. Jethva’s 2016 Honda Accord was also towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing.
The New Jersey Police Crash Investigation Report did not indicate any charges to either operator.
Ms. Jethva’s 2016 Honda Accord was also towed from the scene by Ajaco Towing
MORRIS COUNTY — Reynold Fauci, Director of Recreation Facilities for the Morris County Park Commission, is hanging up his ice skates after overseeing operations at the William G. Mennen Sports Arena since the time it was being constructed in 1974.
Following a 46-year career with the Park Commission, Fauci will officially retire tomorrow, October 1, taking with him a lifetime of memories at the arena, where he hosted everyone from National Hockey League players and Olympic champion skaters to world-class tennis players and pop-music stars.
“I remember our opening day like it was yesterday. They were lined up out the door and we had to stop the rest from coming in. It was a popular place right from the start,” Fauci recalled of the arena’s Jan. 12, 1975 dedication.
He also recalled a litany of historic events and athletes, including visits from skating and tennis greats.
Reynold Fauci
“We had the first state high school ice hockey championship between Chatham and Brick. Standing room only. We had major tennis matches here, too. I remember I had to go to the airport to pick up Björn Borg, Ilie Năstase, and Rod Laver,” he said. “We also had the Eastern Figure Skating Championship for the amateur skaters who would go to the Olympics back in 1982, and in that group was Scott Hamilton, Elaine Zayak and Kitty and Peter Carruthers – all of them top skaters who went on to win.”
Fauci’s work with the Park Commission was rooted in his love for ice hockey.
Born in Morris County, he attended Morristown High School and played for the original County College of Morris ice hockey team, scoring their first goal before moving on to play semi-pro hockey for the Essex Comets and the Newark Brewers. When news broke in 1972 that the Park Commission and Morris County Board of Freeholders were considering construction of an ice-skating rink on donated land in Morris Township, Fauci began pursuing a job with the commission.
He was hired Sept. 17, 1974 as assistant manager and witnessed the official opening of the arena when it had just one rink and was designed with a ceiling high enough to qualify as a venue for professional tennis.
“The thinking then was that it had to serve a dual purpose, that it couldn’t be just for skating and ice hockey, so the ceiling was built to be 30 feet high to qualify for it to be used as a tennis court, too. We used to have to put big covers down on the rink,” recalled Richard Seabury III, a Morris County Park Commissioner since 1970 who joined Fauci at the arena yesterday for an impromptu farewell gathering.
Fauci was promoted to manager of the arena on September 1, 1980, and oversaw the expansion of the arena to include a second ice-rink in 1986 and a third in 2002, the same year he was promoted to Director of Recreation Facilities. The position expanded his responsibilities to include Lee’s County Park Marina at Lake Hopatcong and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation Campgrounds in Jefferson Township.
So why retire?
“After 46 years, it’s time,” said Fauci, explaining that he stayed on for so many years because he loved his job and especially his co-workers, most of whom retired before him.
“One of the keys that made us successful all these years is my administrative staff. I was very fortunate,” said Fauci. “They were such a great staff and we worked so well as a team here together. I mean we were all on the same page. It was a pleasure to come to work with that administrative staff and now, most of them are gone.”
Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith visited the arena yesterday to present Fauci with a resolution on behalf of the full board to recognize his many years with the Park Commission.
“Thank you for your dedication and your many years of service to Morris County, and congratulations on your retirement. We wish you the best,” said Director Smith, handing Fauci the framed resolution inside the arena’s original rink.
The resolution said the board: “Congratulates Reynold Fauci for his stellar tutelage of the Mennen Arena and additional recreational facilities over nearly five decades and extends their best wishes on a long and happy retirement. To a job well done, we say Thank You!”
Seabury was joined by two other Park Commission members are the farewell gathering, including Betty Cass-Schmidt, and Julie C. Baron.
Fauci lives in Randolph with his wife, Denise. They have a daughter, Jennifer, and son, Reynold A. Fauci, who also played high school and minor league hockey.
Mr. Fauci now has two grandchildren as well, and he said he watches his family skate at the Mennen Arena from time to time.
Morris County Park Commissioners Julie Baron and Betty Cass-Schmidt, retiring Director of Recreation Facilities Reynold Fauci, Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith, and Park Commission Vice President Richard Seabury, III
Dear Editor:
