MORRIS COUNTY — NewBridge Services Board of Trustees honored Robert L. Parker, the nonprofit’s longest-serving leader, by naming its original group home after him.

“Providing homes and support for people in need was so near-and-dear to Parker’s heart that we felt this was an appropriate way to honor him,” NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King said.

Parker retired in March after 42 years with the nonprofit. He served 28 years as NewBridge’s leader.

A Key to Inclusiveness
NewBridge bought the property in 1981 and converted the residence into a group home for six seniors who’d lived at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. It became one of New Jersey’s first long-term community residences for older adults hospitalized five years or more.

The state initially saw the group home as a place for former Greystone patients to live out their lives, Parker recalled. Instead, many residents improved and were able to return to the family or move to a place with less supervision. Parker House is now home to 10 adults of various ages.

When Parker took charge of NewBridge in 1992, he furthered the nonprofit’s housing efforts, seeing it as a key to inclusiveness for people with mental illness.

“The philosophy that Parker has always had is: these are people who have rights, and desires, and needs. We need to be there to give them the leg up that they so deserve, to have a home in the community they can call their own,” said NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden. Borden served 22 years as Parker’s second-in-command before taking the helm in April.

Housing Initiatives Grow
“This is not about Bob Parker. This is about an organization — all the staff, volunteers, and partners — who recognize that people can recover from mental illness when they live in the community and receive treatment and support,” a teary-eyed Parker said.

In 1993, Parker spearheaded a program to provide 18 hours a day of intensive treatment services to former psychiatric hospital patients living in boarding homes. “I have no doubt that without Parker’s unique enthusiasm and selling of the concept to state officials, the program would not have happened,” said Jack Muzikowski, who retired as NewBridge’s director of Housing Services in 2005.

From there, NewBridge expanded case management and supportive housing programs that allow people to live and work in their communities, Muzikowski said.

Today, 53 adults live in NewBridge’s five group homes, making strides toward their goals in mental health, physical health, socialization, and daily living skills. Another 87 people diagnosed with persistent and chronic mental illness live on their own with support services from NewBridge. NewBridge, in collaboration with other nonprofits and local governments, also provides affordable housing to 100 people with special needs.

Parker’s Legacy
“Under Parker’s leadership, we developed so many residential opportunities for people with disabilities, affording everyone the chance to participate in our society,” said Carolyn Dean, NewBridge Director of Community Outreach and Support. “That’s a wonderful legacy to leave.”

Parker joined NewBridge in 1978 as director of its newly created youth services bureau. He led the nonprofit’s transformation from a local mental health agency into a multi-service community nonprofit.

NewBridge tackles some of society’s toughest issues, including mental illness, addiction, isolation, and homelessness, with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Last year, NewBridge helped nearly 8,000 children, adults, and seniors through its three pillars: counseling, housing, and education.

NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a leading provider of counseling services, housing, and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving nearly 8,000 adults and seniors last year alone. NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief, and challenging relationships; helps children who have been abused and neglected — and their families — heal; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its 57-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.

MORRIS COUNTY — The COVID death toll at New Jersey veterans’ homes has been increased by almost 50 after a review of state records, a development that exemplifies the need for more investigation, said Senator Joe Pennacchio.

Pennacchio, since May, has been calling for a Senate Select Committee with subpoena powers to scrutinize the Murphy Administration’s policies and decisions impacting coronavirus in long-term care facilities.

“The situation in the veterans’ homes may be emblematic of all the nursing homes in New Jersey,” said Pennacchio. “The state has full control over the veterans’ facilities. While the Administration has been quick to point fingers at private homes, the loss of life in veterans’ centers has been far worse.

“The state’s hypocrisy is troubling, blaming other actors when they are the worst actors of all.”

With 47 additional COVID deaths, the loss of life from two state-run veterans’ homes in Menlo Park and Paramus is now 190.

“The numbers are heartbreaking. We have lost one of every three veterans’ home residents,” Pennacchio said. “In nursing homes, 1 in 10 residents died, but the actual number of dead souls, if reflective of what happened in veterans’ homes, maybe much, much higher. Without getting truthful answers, we must consider the worst.”

Pennacchio said the Senate should look into whether state policies that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive residents contributed to the catastrophic results.

“The Senate’s failure to call a select committee with subpoena powers is indefensible, especially after it was announced they would do exactly that. On three separate occasions, the procedural move to allow this select committee was voted down by the Democrats. The state can’t even keep track of how many residents died. That alone should signal the need for an investigation,” Pennacchio said.

The Senate Republicans created a petition calling for the Legislature to investigate the more than 7,000 deaths in veterans’ and nursing homes. The petition is available by clicking here.

“We had a commitment to launch an investigation in May. How many more dead bodies have to be discovered before the Legislature follows through with its fiduciary and moral responsibilities,” said Pennacchio.

“Instead of circling the wagons to protect the Governor, the Senate should act now to ensure this never happens again.”

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed a joint resolution (SJR38), which designates September of each year as “Sickle Cell Awareness Month”.

“Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects thousands in our state, predominantly those in our Black community, and those with sickle cell are also particularly vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “To New Jerseyans who are impacted by sickle cell, especially those who have also been impacted by this pandemic, we stand with you, and we are committed to promoting awareness and fighting this disease.”

“When sickle cell disease strikes, people need support, especially when they require intense treatments and procedures. Raising awareness in our communities for this debilitating genetic disorder that disproportionately affects African Americans is imperative,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “By designating September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in New Jersey, we are in turn producing more resources and potentially life-saving awareness for individuals and families who are most affected.”

“As part of the state’s newborn screening program, all infants are screened for genetic diseases, like sickle cell, and families can be connected to health care services and resources,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “By increasing public awareness, we can continue to focus efforts on educating parents about this disease.”

“Sickle Cell disease is the most common genetic disease in the United States and primarily affects Black Americans, who often have the most difficult time securing adequate healthcare,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “With this designation, we will help to raise public awareness and connect more individuals with the treatment they need.”

“Not only does sickle cell disease impact individuals physically, but there is also often a financial burden associated with it due to the costly medicine and blood transfusions needed to manage symptoms,” said Senator Nellie Pou. “In 2011, New Jersey enacted legislation to require health insurance companies to cover treatment for sickle cell anemia and it is imperative that we continue to show support and care for those who suffer from this condition.”

In a joint-statement, Assemblymembers Annette Quijano and Britnee Timberlake said: “Designating Sickle Cell Awareness Month in New Jersey will encourage our state to play a more active role in helping members of the public understand exactly what this group of genetic disorders entail. Many people with the genetic trait for sickle cell disease are unaware that they have it. Yet if both a mother and father carry this trait, each of their children will have a 25 percent chance of being born with the disease. With more awareness, more people could get genetic testing that would help them understand and prepare for that possibility in advance. This resolution also asks the Governor to encourage public officials to conduct various programs and activities to help promote more widespread knowledge of this disease. The more residents understand the symptoms of sickle cell disease, the more they can seek out the care and treatment they need.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and Morris County Park Police Chief Gabe DiPietro announce that the investigation into the June 28, 2020 death of Amanual “Amani” Kildea, 20, of Washington Township, has concluded.

On June 28, 2020, law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 2:47 p.m. The caller indicated that the body of a young black male was observed hanging from a tree just off a hiking trail in Lewis Morris Park in Morristown.

First responders arrived at the scene and located the body of Amanual Kildea in a near seated position at the base of a tree, with a rope wrapped around his neck. This rope was connected to the tree approximately six-and-one-half feet from the ground, and Mr. Kildea’s body was partially suspended several inches off the ground.

There were no indications of a struggle observed at the scene. Subsequent investigation at the scene revealed Mr. Kildea’s wallet and cell phone to be in his pocket. Other personal items, including a laptop and backpack, were neatly placed near Mr. Kildea’s body.

Mr. Kildea’s car was subsequently located in a parking lot at the Park. Further investigation confirmed that Mr. Kildea had purchased the rope used in this incident from a Morris County home improvement center earlier on June 28, 2020. Mr. Kildea was alone at the time of purchase. Additional investigation revealed evidence that Mr. Kildea had conducted multiple internet searches related to suicide on June 28, 2020. The investigation did not reveal any evidence of criminality, nor is there any evidence of a connection between Mr. Kildea’s suicide and any other person or group.

The Morris County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination on Mr. Kildea’s body. The manner of death was determined to be suicide. The Medical Examiner did not identify any trauma to Mr. Kildea’s body that was inconsistent with the manner of death.

While the Morris County Prosecutor does not ordinarily issue public statements containing specific details regarding suicide investigations, there has been a great deal of inquiry related to this investigation.

As a result, now that the investigation has concluded, these details are being shared in order to provide as much transparency as possible. Moreover, the findings of this investigation have been shared with Mr. Kildea’s family.

Out of respect and consideration for Mr. Kildea’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation.

The investigation was conducted by the Morris County Park Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, and in consultation with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, which concurs with the findings herein.

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S2050) to exclude combat pay from gross taxable income under the New Jersey income tax. New Jersey is the only state currently taxing combat pay, which is also untaxed by the federal government.

“Members of the military put everything on the line for our state and our country,” said Governor Murphy. “I am happy and proud that, even in the midst of our state’s most serious fiscal crisis, we were able to find a way to make life easier for our troops and provide some long-overdue relief to the bravest among us.”

“All distractions when deployed reduce combat effectiveness. This is a positive action that will pay dividends for our women and men in combat,” said Maj. Gen. Jemal J. Beale, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Primary sponsors of S2050 include Senators Shirley K. Turner, Michael L. Testa, Jr., and Kristin M. Corrado, and Assemblymembers Annette Quijano, Cleopatra G. Tucker, and Wayne P. DeAngelo.

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy.  This is a big salute to our military personnel, especially those serving in combat zones,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “Our military members are putting their lives at risk while their pay is below or at the poverty line.  Their families are also making enormous personal sacrifices.  New Jersey should be honoring military service, not taxing it.  I first introduced this bill 19 years ago, and I am elated that New Jersey will now join the rest of the nation to become the 50th state to exempt combat zone pay from taxation.”

“Previous versions of this important bill have languished in the Legislature for 10 years. When I was sworn into the Senate in January, I made this one of my priorities and began advocating for its passing and enactment on behalf of American servicemen and women,” said Senator Michael Testa. “I am proud that working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we are finally reversing the insensitive policy, and I thank the Governor for his support.”

“The military men and women who put their lives on the line to fight for our freedoms in war zones are under-paid heroes,” said Senator Kristin Corrado. “The military provides a combat zone stipend of $225 per week, and this new law allows our soldiers to hold onto more of it, exempting the bonus from state income tax. As a nation, we ask more than enough from our U.S. military members. Taxing their combat pay is unnecessary and insensitive, and that flawed practice ends today.”

“Members of our military courageously face increased risks and immediate threats while serving within combat zones, and because of these risks, they receive a combat pay bonus,” said Senator Dawn Marie Addiego.

“New Jersey is currently the only state in the nation taxing combat-zone pay. This legislation rights this wrong and would benefit the husbands and wives, and sons and daughters of our military personnel back home.”

“Every year, New Jersey residents are deployed to countries throughout the world to fight on behalf of America. Those military members serving in combat zones risk their lives in defense of our country,” said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo in a joint statement. “It is only right we honor their courage and sacrifice by exempting the pay they earn during that time period as well as any time spent in a hospital for injuries sustained in combat from state income taxes. Here in New Jersey, we value the service of our military members and veterans.”

“I am proud today of Gov. Murphy and the State of New Jersey for adopting the combat zone state tax exemption. It must have been a difficult decision to make in challenging financial times,” said Lt. Col. Peter Lupo, Vice President of Legislative Affairs, New Jersey Veterans Chamber of Commerce. For that reason, New Jersey soldiers will be deeply appreciative. I can personally attest to that.”

S2050 excludes military pay for service in a combat zone, or for hospitalization as the result of an injury while serving in a combat zone, from gross taxable income under the New Jersey income tax. The bill excludes combat pay in the same manner as federal taxation does. A combat zone is defined as any area the President of the United States designates by Executive Order as an area in which the U.S. Armed Forces are engaging or have engaged in combat.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy extended the public health emergency and related restrictions on activities in New Jersey, which were first put into place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic under an executive order he issued on March 8, 2020.

Executive Order No. 186 extends all executive orders previously issued by the Governor under the Emergency Health Powers Act.  The new order also extends all actions taken by any state executive branch departments and state agencies in response to the public health emergency declared due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Under the state’s Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.

For the full text of Executive Order No. 186, click here.