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Two Trump Rallies Set for Saturday, September 12

PARSIPPANY — There will be two rallies for President Trump on Saturday, September 12 in Parsippany. President Trump is not expected to be there.

The first rally organized by Harry Martin will be at the intersection of Route 46 and Baldwin Road and will start at 11:00 a.m. and continue to 3:00 p.m. (Editors Note: This rally was planned, and Focus first published a press release on August 28)

The second rally organized by Bethann Figueria and Scott Vanderbly, entitled “Pro-police, Pro-military, Pro-Trump” will be held in Veterans Park and will start at 11:00 a.m. and continue to 3:00 p.m. Public parking is available at the park. (Editors Note: Focus received a press release on September 9)

Wear your Trump gear, hats, etc. Bring American flags, Trump flags, and signs.

Both rallies will be following COVID-19 guidelines. Make sure you wear a mask and social distancing.

A message from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department:

We have received many inquires regarding the planned events/rallies that are scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 12.

We have a security plan in place to help assure the safety of anyone present, along with anyone who may be passing through the area.

There are two locations being utilized, the area of Route 46 and Baldwin Road, along with Veterans Park, which is located at the intersection of Vail Road and Route 46 East. A permit was issued to the event being held at Veterans Park. The Route 46 and Baldwin Road location does not require a permit due to the location.

We remind everyone attending the event/rally at Route 46 and Baldwin Road, the designated area for assembly will be on the curb line of Route 46 East in front of Smith Field. Parking for the attendees for the Trump event/rally should park in the Smith Field lot accessed off of Baldwin Road. All other attendees should use the park and ride parking lot on the East side of Smith Field, which is accessed off of Route 46. Officers will be present to assist attendees. Parking on private property is prohibited and property owners can tow your vehicle.

Veterans Park has one parking lot that all attendees will use. Officers will be present for assisting attendees.

All attendees should also take proper COVID-19 precautions, such as utilizing proper social distancing and wearing a face mask/covering when applicable.

Littleton Elementary Boys and Girls Join Cub Scouts

PARSIPPANY — Cub Scout Pack 142 invites families to join on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held outdoors. Please contact Cubmaster Steve Tizzoni, info@pack142.net, (570) 212-2036 for the location.

Cub Scouts is fun for the whole family. Cub Scouts meet in small groups called dens made up of children in the same grade.

There are dens for boys and dens for girls but everyone has the same Cub Scout fun.

We will follow all COVID-19 guidelines for outdoor events. Wear your mask!

Please note children must be accompanied by a parent during this event. No drop-offs.

 

Letter to the Editor: Your Right to Vote in LPPOA Elections is in Jeopardy

parsippany focusDear Editor:

If you paid basic maintenance member fees according to N.J. S.A. 45:22A.1 you are a member in good standing of the Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association and have the right to vote. There should be no discrimination in whether you pay full member fees which entitles a property owner full recreation rights or you pay basic member fees for the basic lake upkeep with limited recreation use. Both basic and full member fees under the court ruling of October 2019 states all easement owners were required to pay maintenance fees.

The LPPOA board of trustee built into the invoice member fee a basic member fee which demands that you give up your right to vote or hold office. In order, to pay you had no choice but to lose your right to vote and hold office.

The LPPOA would not accept a basic payment from any homeowner, who felt that the New Jersey Statutes reinforced the fact they had the right to vote since they paid the required maintenance fees. The LPPOA refused any payment with a note or a notation on the check which stated the property owner wished to comply with the requirement to pay the maintenance fee and have limited recreation access to the lake but would not under New Jersey state statutes give up the right to vote.

Now, these BASIC MEMBERS in good standing are BEING DENIED THE RIGHT TO VOTE IN THE LPPOA SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 election.

Denying the right to vote under the guise “that the waiver of rights is the choice of the individual property owner, not determined by LPPOA” is an insult to all who believe that this country is based on the principle of democracy and equality. The election poll tax of the 20century was judged as unconstitutional in the United States and in all-state. All owners of property in Lake Parsippany, as defined as members in chapter V, are members in the LPPOA. There is no mention of full or basic members. The social economy factor should not be used to determine voting rights. One who cannot afford the added cost to become a full recreational member. Should not have to give up the right to vote to assure them by New Jersey Statutes. This policy discriminates between the “those who have and those who have not”. It must be corrected now.

  • Support equality -voting right for all property owner members
  • Vote for REFORM, Work together, Live together for a better lake.

Mary Purzycki

 

 

 

 

Parsippany-Troy Hills Premiering 9/11 Commemoration

PARSIPPANY — It’s been 19 years since that fateful day in New York City when the whole world came to a halt to watch the horrors unfolding before our eyes.

Parsippany Community Update September 9, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parks and Forestry Superintendent Jim Walsh provides an update on Smith Field as we near the end of the park’s improvement project.

Surrogate Darling Resumes Public Appearances

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling and Deputy Surrogate Christopher Luongo were guest speakers at the Morris County Funeral Directors Association meeting in Randolph.

Surrogate Darling spoke about the Surrogate’s Court and her efforts to update and modernize operations since taking office in January. The Surrogate also discussed how her office and the New Jersey Superior Courts worked through the state shut-down, challenges, and difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As many of Morris County residents endured hardships during this difficult time, my staff remained ready and able to continue to provide needed services,” said Darling. “As the state slowly continues to reopen, I welcome any opportunity to speak in person with the business community as well as Morris County residents. I look forward to reengaging with people on a personal level because this office deals in very personal matters,” Darling added. “I will also continue to provide my “Surrogate Sessions” (virtual seminars) to address important community issues relevant to my office and its services. My goal is to be accessible to all residents, especially those who cannot get out to attend public and in-person meetings.”

To schedule a public speaking engagement, contact the Surrogate’s Office at (973) 285-6500.

For more information on the Morris County Surrogate’s Court and/or upcoming educational sessions are known as the “Surrogate’s Sessions” click here.

James B. Burns Jr., 77, Passed Away

PARSIPPANY — James B. Burns Jr., 77, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2020 at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown.

James was born in Orange and grew up in Livingston before moving to Cedar Knolls 52 years ago. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged on September 30, 1968. James proudly served the people of Hanover Township as a police officer for many years before retiring. He was a devoted member of the Parsippany Elks Lodge No. 2078 and the Knights of Columbus Post 6904 in Whippany. Survivors include his wife, Maria (nee-Salwik); his son, Steven; his daughter, Jennifer Zicker and her husband, Chris; his sister, Martha McGregor and her husband, Al; and his three grandchildren: Lucas, Samantha, and Lindsey. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020, at the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road Parsippany (973) 887-3235 or click here.

Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Whippany. Visiting hours are on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the Elks National Foundation. 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614-2256 or click here.

Parsippany Community Update September 8, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany has seen an uptick in new cases even before Labor Day Weekend. It’s important to remember the safety precautions that have helped slow the spread of COVID-19 for our Township over the past many weeks:
😷 Wear A Mask
🚿 Wash Your Hands
💧 Disinfect Surfaces
‍👩‍🚀 Practice Social Distancing

Morris County Bids Farewell to Lawrence Ragonese

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders formally announced the retirement of Lawrence “Larry” Ragonese, whose service over the past five years as Director of Communications for Morris County capped off a career in New Jersey media and public relations that spanned more than 40 years.

Larry Ragonese

“I just want to say what an asset he has been to me, to the entire freeholder board and to all of Morris County. Aside from his sense of humor and charm, we will miss Larry’s strong work ethic, his genuine concern for helping people who come to the county seeking assistance, and his extensive knowledge of Morris County,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

Ragonese officially retired on September 1 but continued for the past week in assisting in the transition of a new director. He had become an enduring presence in the Morris County Administration & Records Building in Morristown, as well as the Morris County Courthouse, largely because of his many years as a news reporter in the area. But the freeholders and county administration also hailed his work in modernizing the county Office of Public Information and expanding constituent relations.

“The legacy of Larry Ragonese will remain a treasured institution within Morris County for years to come, for in so many ways he has touched each of us — and through his too numerous to mention contributions, has improved our lives,” said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni.  “As a journalist, as well as a Communications Director, Larry approached every issue with both integrity and a smile, the mark of a true gentleman. I wish him and his family the very best!”

Ragonese, a Cedar Knolls resident, had covered the Morris County government as a news reporter from the 1980s until 2010.  He began his career as a deejay in Parsippany for WQTK 1310 a.m. in 1977, but by 1978 he moved on to become news director at WSUS 102FM in Sussex County before taking on a reporting position at The Daily Record of Morristown in 1980.

At the time, The Daily Record was privately owned and had a large circulation throughout northwest New Jersey.  Ragonese originally served as The Daily Record’s Sussex County bureau chief, but quickly became the Morris County courthouse reporter. By 1984, he ascended to The Star-Ledger, the state’s largest newspaper, where he covered Morris County government until April 2010.

He subsequently joined the administration of then-Governor Chris Christie as Director of Communications for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, holding the post until becoming the Director of Communications in Morris County in February 2015.

“I just want to give a very heartfelt congratulations to Larry Ragonese on his retirement from Morris County. For many years, Larry has been the voice of Morris County,” said Freeholder Doug Cabana, who has been on the board since 1997, when Ragonese was already considered the dean of county government reporting in the region.

“He should be proud of what he’s done. He’s going to be missed, and I just wish him all the best in his retirement. I wish he would stay a little longer,” Cabana added.

Ragonese spoke briefly at the August 26 freeholder meeting about his retirement, calling it a bittersweet decision and sharing fond memories about his time in Morris County, conjuring “the ghosts” of the many county officials he knew, wrote about, and developed friendships with over the past 40 years.

“It’s been my privilege to walk in their great footsteps,” Ragonese said. “So I leave you with a smile and a thank you, and I hope the best for all of you in the county government. And I have just one request: Please, Freeholder Krickus, keep my taxes low.”

The freeholders honored Ragonese with an official resolution recognizing his service.

The post of Director of Communications has been assumed by Brian T. Murray, also a Morris County resident who spent more than 30 years in the daily news business in New Jersey, including more than 20 years as a reporter at The Star-Ledger with Ragonese.

In 2011, Murray followed Ragonese into state government, serving as Communications and Marketing Director for the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, until leaving in 2015 to become Press Secretary and Communications Director for Governor Chris Christie. He founded BurnPin, a communications and public relations company, after leaving state government in 2018.

Titus, Mahmood, and Bagdai Announce Parsippany Board of Education Campaign

PARSIPPANY — John Titus, Aisha Mahmood, and Nilesh Bagdai announced their campaign for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education.  Parsippany’s schools and community will benefit from the diverse array of backgrounds these candidates bring to the table.

John, Aisha, and Nilesh will appear in positions 4, 5, and 6 on your ballot this year. All three are first-time candidates for public office.

“Parsippany is a strong and dynamic community, with a school system that has impacted all of our lives,” the three stated jointly. “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work in what may be the most challenging time our district has ever faced.”

John Titus has lived in Parsippany for 12 years and is a former coach at Parsippany High School. He is entering his 16th year of teaching in the Rockaway School District. His experience includes teaching grades two through eight in all core subjects, as well as proficiency working with children exhibiting a range of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional functioning. During the 2020-2021 school year, John is teaching in a 4th-grade inclusion classroom setting, adapted to accommodate children with behavior challenges. In addition to teaching, John has dedicated several years to coaching. He served as the Head Volleyball Coach at Caldwell University for eight years. He is currently the Associate Director of Sport Development with USA Volleyball for New Jersey and New York.

Aisha Mahmood

Aisha Mahmood has been a Parsippany resident for 30 years, having graduated from Brooklawn Middle School and Parsippany Hills High School. She graduated from Kean University in 2004 with a Bachelors’s in Biology. Since then, she has worked in the Pharmaceutical, Financial, and Telecommunication industries. Her experience includes working as a business analyst and project manager for the last 14 years. She has also been a volunteer teacher at a local Sunday school for 16 years. As a former student in this district, she has a strong understanding of how our school system can best function. In her free time, she likes to travel and take photography trips. She currently resides in Powder Mill with her husband.

Nilesh Bagdai resides in Lake Hiawatha with his wife and daughter, a Central Middle School student. After earning an MBA in Finance from the University of Mumbai, he immigrated to the United States in 2004. Nilesh is a banking and payment processing professional. He is the founder and CEO of Direct Pay LLC, a credit card processing small business facilitating over 5 million transactions per year. In addition to his work as Head of Finance for several other companies, Nilesh is an avid management professional and trainer. As a parent with a child in the public school system, Nilesh has a front-row seat to what is currently working and what needs to be improved in our school district. As a small business owner specializing in finance, he knows how to demand a dollar’s worth of value for every tax dollar the district spends.

As a teacher, a Parsippany schools graduate, and a Parsippany school parent, John, Aisha, and Nilesh represent the diverse range of perspectives our school system needs to thrive. Together, they will strive to make the Parsippany Board of Education work for taxpayers, students, and families.

When you receive your ballot in the mail, be sure to vote 4-5-6, your top picks for Board of Education.

Central Middle School Safety and Security Measures

PARSIPPANY — Central Middle School Safety and Security Measures.

Temple Beth Am to Kick Off “TBA 2.0” in New Location

PARSIPPANY —  Temple Beth Am relocating for strategic growth. When one door closes, another one opens – and often leads to greater opportunity, according to Temple Beth Am in Parsippany.

The 54-year-old Reform Temple is selling its current location at 879 S. Beverwyck Road to usher in a stronger future at a newer, smaller building nearby. “Without sacrificing the quality and quantity of what we offer, this move could only benefit our members, as well as attract currently unaffiliated community members,” Michael Scher, past president of the board of trustees, said. Ira Drucks, the current president, said the move will help the temple better respond to ever-changing challenges that worldly, generational, and demographic shifts often present to organized religion. “With the Jewish population changing in the area and with many empty nesters and seniors moving away, we have not been growing with new families as we had in the past,” he said.

“With that in mind, we decided a smaller place would best accommodate our new future.” Jeff Morrison, parliamentarian, said the move will also help to reduce costs associated with the upkeep of an aging building. “While it has been our home for nearly 50 years, the building was too large for our needs moving forward, with maintenance representing an increasing cost to our operating budget,” he said.

Services will continue virtually and, per COVID-19 regulations, outdoors at the current location through December, while the organization moves forward with its plans for “Temple Beth Am 2.0” (TBA 2.0) at the new one.

TBA 2.0 includes plans to lower membership dues and create more innovative and diverse programming geared toward younger individuals and families, including virtual offerings. Temple Beth Am has been conducting several virtual programs and services since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March, including adult education classes and Friday evening, Saturday morning, Havdallah, and holiday services. Drucks said he hopes the organization’s current plans for the High Holy Days in September will help members better understand what TBA 2.0 will entail, by enlisting the assistance of a professional media company to produce virtual services with musical accompaniment, including a cantor and choir. “We want to show our congregants that Temple Beth Am is better than ever, as we look forward to being together at a new location in which everyone can be proud,” he said.

Questions? Contact Ira Drucks, president of Temple Beth Am, at president@tbaparsippany.org.

Parsippany Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

PARSIPPANY — The Township Council approved (3-2) the appointment recommended by Mayor Michael Soriano for the new Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Juan Uribe.

Mr. Juan Uribe

Uribe will become the new Chief Financial Officer effective September 21 at an annual salary of $145,000.

The previous CFO, Ann Cucci, left to take a similar position in Livingston.  During the intern of the appointment, Cucci has been working for the Township on a per diem basis.

“I wish him the best of luck in Parsippany-Troy Hills and I’m happy to help with the transition,” commented Ann Cucci.

“I thank Ann Cucci for her service and dedication to Parsippany Township. I welcome Juan Uribe to Parsippany and hope that he is up for the challenge,” said Michael J. dePierro, Township Council President.

“Juan Uribe has a strong work ethic and management experience. He brings a wealth of CFO expertise that is needed in Parsippany. Over 300 million dollars flow through the finance department each year, we are proud to have someone as sharp as Juan at the helm to ensure that Township services keep going for our residents,” said Mayor Michael Soriano.

Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani said “I wish our former Chief Financial Officer Ann Cucci the very best as she embarks on her new position in Livingston and for the many years of service to the Township of Parsippany. Juan Uribe was appointed Parsippany Township’s new CFO. Juan will be facing financial shortfalls due to COVID-19 as he starts in his new position. He has the support of the Administration, I welcome him to Parsippany and wish him well.”

Prior to joining Parsippany, Mr. Uribe was the Director of Finance/Chief Financial Officer with the City of East Orange since April 2018. He was mainly responsible for strategic financial planning, reporting, accounting, treasury, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, procurement, tax abatements, and internal controls. The City of East Orange has a population of 65,000 with an annual budget of $156 million dollars. Parsippany has a population of 53,000 with an annual budget of $76 million dollars, in addition to Water, Sewer, and Golf utilities.

“I’d like to thank Ms. Cucci for all of her work and dedication to Parsippany and I am looking forward to working with Mr. Uribe,” said Councilwoman Emily Peterson.

 

Sherrill-Becchi Debate set for October 11

MORRIS COUNTY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, D-11, and Rosemary Becchi, a Republican candidate for that congressional seat, will debate online at 9:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11.

The debate is hosted by the New Jersey Globe, an online political news website. Globe editor David Wildstein will moderate the debate.

The hour-long debate will be conducted virtually and live-streamed to Facebook and YouTube.

Designer Showhouse and Gardens Opening For Visitors

MORRIS COUNTY — The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) is delighted to announce that it will present its 19th Mansion in May signature fundraiser, previously scheduled to be held during May, as “Splendor in September.” The Designer Showhouse and Gardens will open its doors to the public at Tyvan Hill in New Vernon, New Jersey from September 8 to October 4, 2020.

The delayed opening of Tyvan Hill will enable visitors to have an opportunity to experience a visit to this lovely country estate to see the transformation of nearly 50 spaces by leading interior and landscape designers. This dedicated team of designers will deliver on their commitment to creating a beautiful mansion and gorgeous grounds for all to see, all to benefit the expansion of the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute at Morristown Medical Center.

“In an effort to provide visitors with a pleasant and safe visit to Tyvan Hill, new admissions and safety protocols are in place,” said Katie Nolle, President, Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center. “We are following all CDC, State, and Local Covid-19 guidelines to safeguard the safety and well-being of our visitors, designers, and volunteers.”

Tyvan Hill, a 10,000 square foot U-shaped brick and stone house mansion was designed by the prominent New York architectural firm of Peabody, Wilson & Brown for John Wesley Castles Jr. and his wife, Dorothea Bradford Smith, and built between 1928 and 1929. It features beautiful details, such as a curved staircase, paneling, and elegant moldings, as well as an outdoor pool and pool house. In 1931, the Architectural League of New York awarded its silver medal to Peabody, Wilson & Brown for the firm’s designs of a group of country residences, prominently including Tyvan Hill.

Mansion in May is the preeminent designer showhouse in the New Jersey-New York area. “Splendor in September” at Tyvan Hill will be open to the public from September 8 to October 4, 2020.  Tickets are $40 online and are sold in time slots from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  For tickets and more information about our safety protocols and Mansion in May click here.

Safety and Security for Saturday’s Trump Rally

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany will proudly host an upcoming rally in support of President Trump this Saturday, September 12 at Baldwin Road and Route 46.  This is a great time for all Parsippany residents and visitors to show their pride for our country and applaud and support our hard-working, results-driven President in a professional and courteous fashion.

Unfortunately, Mayor Soriano and his administration have kept our entire community in the dark about safety and security efforts around this upcoming rally. However, I hope this silent Mayoral administration is at least acting in good faith and already have been engaged with event sponsor Harry Martin in planning and preparing for this gathering, which is likely to present traffic and other impacts in our area.

Regardless, as the Parsippany Republican Chairman, I strongly encourage all attendees to conduct themselves civilly and follow basic safety tips to ensure an enjoyable experience:

  • Stay aware of other people at all times.  Should anyone get the slightest feeling something may be wrong, it’s best to listen to instincts, act fast, and contact security or Police.
  • Keep an eye on the crowd for signs of trouble. When witnessing something of this nature, it could be a good time to promptly change locations and inform security about any concerns. Scenarios to look for include:
  • An abnormal increase in the number of people pouring into the area.
  • An individual who is behaving badly/dangerously or is putting others at risk rather than a loner who doesn’t seem to belong in the area.
  • Performers or audience members encouraging hazardous behavior.
  • If the crowd is getting too dense for comfort, change locations before it gets worse.
  • Be vigilant about theft possibilities when others may be close enough to reach purses, wallets, cell phones, or cameras. Secure and hide loose items as much as possible.
  • When an evacuation is necessary, it’s important to stay calm during the evacuation. Try following some of these key tips:
  • If an emergency does happen, calmly move toward the nearest exit and listen for official instructions.
  • In a crowd, keep feet firmly placed and well-spread and keep arms close to the chest.
  • Don’t resist the force of the crowd while gradually moving toward the outer perimeter of the crowd.
  • Do not stop to pick up dropped or lost personal items in dense and moving crowds.

I hope all attendees enjoy Saturday’s event as they show pride in their country and patronize our many wonderful local restaurants before heading home.

Be well and safe,
Louis A. Valori
Parsippany Republican Chairman

Catch of the Week: Joseph Roman catches a Large Bass in Indian Lake

PARSIPPANY — Joseph Roman, 13, caught a seven-pound largemouth bass on Thursday, September 3 at Indian Lake in Denville. The bass was 21 inches long.

Labor Day Message From Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce

PARSIPPANY — Not since the Great Depression has America faced a Labor Day such as this years. An international pandemic and extended government shutdowns of businesses have cost millions of American workers their jobs and closed many commercial enterprises permanently.

Thanks to extended help from the federal government, many families are able to make ends meet until a recovery takes place.

However, there are good economic signs that should give us hope The U.S. added 1.8 million jobs in July and another 1.4 million jobs in August as unemployment fell to 8.4 percent. The unemployment number is still a long way from the virtual full employment the U.S. had achieved before the pandemic hit this year, but we are headed in the right direction. Our economic recovery will go quicker as more governments loosen the shackles on business, allowing more people to get back to work.

I know many of you approach Labor Day with trepidation. Will there be a second phase of the virus? How soon will a vaccine be available? When can we resume our normal lives?  Battling the unknown can often lead to despair, but we must remember that we have history on our side.

Americans have always been extraordinarily resilient and inventive in the face of challenges. Throughout our history, we have been brilliantly creative and dynamic hard-working people.  Ordinary Americans always manage to do extraordinary things on behalf of their fellow man.  And because of that, America has overcome every obstacle and emerged from each crisis stronger and better than before. We have overcome the Civil War, the depression of the 1870s; two world wars, the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Great Depression, and murderous international terrorists.

There is no reason to believe we will not come out of this crisis as good or better than before – as long as we work together. We cannot allow ourselves to be divided by those who spread the disease of divisiveness. We must remember that the USA is one very great nation that was built by men and women who stood up to adversity and conquered it.

We will do so again. And by our next celebration of Labor Day, we will be applauding the contributions of America’s workforce as it leads us to renewed prosperity and hope.

Please enjoy the holiday weekend safely

BettyLou DeCroce
Assemblywoman (District 26)

A Message from Superintendent of Schools, Barbara Sargent, Ed.D.

Hello, Families!

What a pleasure it has been to see our students and staff members back at school.  Whether the children are smiling at us from their computer screens at home or from their desks in classrooms, they are a welcome sight.   Thank you for submitting the Daily Health Screening form, following school procedures, and supporting your children when they are logging in from home.  You have helped to make our first days back happy and successful.  Keep up the great work so we can all enjoy a safe and healthy fall season.

The federal government will allow all students to be provided with lunch as they leave school at no cost and regardless of financial status.  Only children with food allergies will need to have their meals pre-ordered.  Just as we did throughout the spring, students not in school for the alternate week may pick up meals at Parsippany High School or Parsippany Hills High School on Monday (for Monday and Tuesday) and Wednesday (for Wednesday through Friday) between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  If your family is unable to pick up a meal at these locations, please speak with your school principal and we will make other arrangements for you.

As reported in Governor Murphy’s Wednesday press conference, here is the data for NJ school districts and their Re-Opening Plans:

Districts using the hybrid model:  434 (We’re one of these.)
Districts using in-person instruction:  68
Districts using all remote learning:  242
Districts using a combination of plans:  22

When we return from Labor Day weekend, Group A students will attend in-person Tuesday, September 8 through Friday, September 11.  There will be no Virtual Friday this week.  Our virtual “Back to School Nights” will be held on these evenings with additional information coming from your school principals:

Thursday, September 17 for Central and Brooklawn Middle Schools
Monday, September 21 for Eastlake and Lake Hiawatha Schools
Wednesday, September 23 for all other elementary schools
Tuesday, September 29 for Parsippany Hills and Parsippany High Schools

Now that we’re back in school, I will pause my weekly Friday letters. I will monitor regional health data and school attendance, and continue my visits to the schools to see the important work our teachers and students are doing.  We are also working on middle and high school Fall Athletics and hope to share information soon.

Some parents have asked about eliminating the Cohort A/Cohort B model and moving to weekly attendance.  We’ve had three (3) successful days of school.  We are, essentially, in the shallow end of the pool.  Let’s be cautious and not wade in over our heads before we see this out a bit longer.  You may expect to hear from me later this month.

In appreciation,
Barbara Sargent, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

There Is Still Time to Enroll for Fall at CCM

MORRIS COUNTY — There is still time to enroll for the Fall Semester at County College of Morris (CCM). The college also has a number of programs to help fund higher education so students can keep moving forward during these challenging times.

The Fall Semester begins on September 9. In addition to the traditional length semester, CCM also offers a 13 Week Semester that begins on September 23 and a Late Start 7 Week Semester that starts November 4.

Students enrolling for the Fall Semester at CCM are provided with additional flexibility. There are now three format options for courses. Those formats are remote, online, and hybrid. Remote courses are similar to live classes in that they take place through video conferencing on specific days and times. Online courses take place virtually but do not require attendance at a specific time. Hybrid courses are for those programs, such as engineering and science, that require some in-person learning on campus and the remainder online.

By enrolling at CCM, students can focus on taking care of their general education requirements to transfer to a four-year school at a later date; explore their options with more than 100 degrees, certificate, and training programs; and get started on a rewarding and fulfilling career path. A number of programs are offered to high school students so they can get a head start on higher education. To learn about those programs click here.

CCM recognizes the challenges that students face in funding their education. CCM offers several programs students can apply to determine if they qualify for free assistance.

Free Tuition
Free tuition is available for CCM students through the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG). Students taking six or more credits may qualify for these funds to cover both tuition and fees. To learn more and to apply click here.

CARES Funds
For students who were enrolled in a degree or certificate program during the Spring 2020 Semester, CCM currently has more than $1M in federal CARES dollars so they can continue their studies this fall. Those funds can be used not only to help with tuition but to take care of living costs such as rent, utilities, clothing, and childcare. To find out more and to apply click here.

Scholarships
The CCM Foundation has nearly $300,000 available to award to students as scholarships this fall. The Foundation also operates the Titan Emergency Fund to provide students with money to take care of unexpected expenses ranging from car repairs, to rent, to medical care and more. To apply for a scholarship click here.

Financial Aid
In addition to the money offered through CARES, CCOG, and Foundation Scholarships, the CCM Office of Financial Aid awards more than $12M each year to students. A significant portion of those awards consists of Pell Grants, which unlike loans, do not need to be paid back. To learn more about financial aid at CCM click here.

To enroll for the Fall 2020 Semester at CCM click here.

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