MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Deputy Chief Jonathan Delaney of the Dover Police Department announce the arrest of Michael A. Holdnak, 30, Dover.
Holdnak has been charged with Attempted Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a/2C:14-2c, a crime of the second degree; and Endangering the Welfare of a Child in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a (1), a crime of the third degree.
It is alleged that between July 12 and July 28 this defendant engaged the 15-year-old male victim in sexual conversations via telephone and social media. It is alleged that on two occasions, the defendant engaged in these conversations while he was outside of the victim’s residence. The defendant was charged by warrant-complaint on August 10 and is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Dover Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation and charges filed in this matter.
Anyone with information relating to these incidents is asked to call Detective Lydia Negron of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6213 or Det. Raziel Aragon of the Dover Police Department at (973) 366-2200 ext. 4203.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Rosemary Becchi, the Republican challenger in the 11th Congressional District in New Jersey, issued a letter challenging Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to three debates to be held across the district, beginning in September and ending in mid-October.
“With record unemployment and an economy destroyed by the pandemic, too many people are staying awake at night worrying about how they are going to pay their bills and put food on the table.,” said Becchi. “This election might be the most important election of our lifetime and I believe the voters deserve to hear directly from the candidates on what they plan to do to responsibly reopen and get Jersey back to work.
In a letter sent directly to Representative Sherrill, Rosemary Becchi shared the urgency of live debates, citing “There are unprecedented challenges facing New Jersey right now and the next Congresswoman from Congressional District 11 will be required to make tough decisions.”
Becchi expanded on this point, “In this district, we have a history of elected officials standing before the voters, sharing their opinions, and challenging each other on the issues. Given the pandemic, it may be necessary to adjust the format and hold tv-only debates or even zoom debates. Now more than ever, I believe it is our duty to continue the important tradition to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.”
The debates should give both candidates the opportunity to share their platforms, expand on their stance on issues, and describe their vision for the future. They should cover a variety of topics, be spread out across the district, and provide an opportunity for voters to ask questions. The debates should be moderated by third parties without a political agenda or platform.
Rosemary Becchi went on to explain that she has been talking to voters throughout the district who are tired of politics and just want to know where the candidates stand on the issues. They want elected officials who will put people ahead of politics. Becchi shared that she hopes the Congresswoman will respond quickly to her invitation to debate.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County’s response to the 2020 Census count has been one of the strongest in the state, with Morris second only to Hunterdon County.
However, there are pockets of the population across the county where Census response has been underwhelming, especially in sections of Florham Park, Boonton, Harding, and Parsippany.
PARSIPPANY — The Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills rescheduled the Council Meeting of Tuesday, August 4 to Tuesday, August 11. The meeting will be held virtually via WebEx. The Agenda meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Formal action may or not be taken.
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.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Mr. Paul Michel, 34, Lake Hiawatha, was charged with abandonment and disorderly conduct in connection with the incident, Hanover Police Chief Mark D. Roddy said today.
He was also issued township ordinances for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle and was issued a motor vehicle summons for failing to secure his children in a child restraint seat.
Temperatures were hovering around 90 degrees July 5, when a 4-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy were found profusely sweating and crying locked inside a car at Wegmans on Sylvan Way around 6:30 p.m.
Officers brought the kids into their patrol cars as store employees made announcements seeking their father. Michel came outside after twenty minutes, authorities said. The children were turned over to their mother.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Eric S. Westenberger, 47, of Boonton Township, died Saturday, August 8, 2020, at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville, where he was born.
Eric S. Westenberger, 47
Eric was the son of the late George and Lois Westenberger, Jr. He was married to the love of his life Cindy A. (Mac Neal) Westenberger and together they raised their three boys in Boonton Township.
Eric graduated with a BA from NYU and a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. Following law school, he clerked in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of NY.
Eric was an accomplished litigator with a legal practice focused on mass torts, product liability, and complex litigation. He first rose to the level of partner at Patton Boggs LLP and was subsequently a partner at other well-respected area law firms including Sills, Cummis & Gross P.C., and Locke Lorde LLP. Previously he was associated with Latham & Watkins. He recently transitioned to the role of senior in-house litigation counsel at PBF Energy in Parsippany.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy, devoted sons; Will, Jake, and Luke Westenberger, loving sisters; Susan Bonanni, Karen Westenberger, Kristine Westenberger, and Michelle Errante; dear brothers, George, III, Robert, and John Westenberger; also many nieces and nephews.
Eric S. Westenberger
A walkthrough visitation will be held at the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Avenue, Boonton, on Thursday, August 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please wear a mask. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, August 14 at 10:00 am in Rockaway Valley Cemetery, Valley Road, Boonton Township.
In lieu of flowers, Eric’s friends have established a fund to help provide for his children. For all desiring to do click here to make a donation.
MORRIS COUNTY — Message from Morris County Freeholder Tayfun Selen:
I am Freeholder Tayfun Selen – and I’m as fed up with JCP&L as you are. On Tuesday, a tropical storm impacted 150,000 Morris County customers. Five days later, there are still 31,000 customers in Morris County without power.
Yes, it was a bad storm. But this is unacceptable and people must be held accountable.
As we speak, 64% of Harding customers without power, 34% of Boonton, 28% of Chatham Township, 33% of Denville, 30% of Lincoln Park, 51% of Mendham Borough, half the town, 23% of Morris Township, 22% of Randolph Township, 21% of Montville, also are without power.
People who need electricity for their medical equipment were put at risk. Untold amounts of milk and groceries have gone bad.
A real hardship for seniors on a fixed income or a single mom working multiple minimum wage jobs to make ends meet.
These are real consequences of JCP&Ls failure.
Folks, a utility company that made over $380 million in profit as of June 30 needs to step up and make this right and the BPU should demand it if they don’t.
CEO Charles Jones, who lives in Ohio, by the way, needs to answer for why more of those profits haven’t been invested back into infrastructure improvements in Morris County and other parts of New Jersey. If he can’t answer that question to the satisfaction of his customers – like you and me – he should resign and JCP&L should put someone in charge who is accountable.
Enough is enough. Every time there is a storm, Morris County residents lose power for days.
JCPL its time to get your act together. New leadership. New strategy.
I am not only asking for the resignation of your CEO, but I am also asking for a refund of utility bills of Morris County residents for July and August. Morris County residents are going thru this nonsense far too long.
If you would like to reach out to me, my cell phone number is (973) 222-0484.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Office of Emergency Management announced the re-opening of 14 major county roads that were still closed or partially closed this morning due to debris and power wires downed by Tropical Storm Isaias on Tuesday.
Storm Damage in hard-hit Harding Township
Work continues on seven other county roads that remain completely closed and two additional county streets that are partially blocked. The streets were impacted by both downed trees or limbs and fallen power lines, requiring county crews to work closely with JCP&L and other utility companies to be certain the power lines were not live before beginning any clearance of the debris.
“At this time we are down to seven full closures and two partial closures. JCP&L and the other utilities have been making good progress today. A transformer fire caused some major damage to the pavement on Center Grove Road, Randolph, north of Route 10. JCP&L is still working to repair the utility damage,” said Jeff Paul, Director of the Morris County Office of Emergency Management
When work began this morning, 15 roads were completely shut down and another 8 were partially closed. OEM anticipated some of the remaining streets may be cleared by the end of the day.
The county roads that remain impacted include:
Closed Roads
· Harding Twp: Long Hill Road at Lees Hill and Pleasantville Road
· Long Hill Twp: Long Hill Road Myersville and Broadview Road
· Long Hill Twp: Lees Hill Road at Longhill at Youngs Road
· Long Hill Twp: Spring Valley Road at Loantaka Lane and Village Road
· Mendham Boro: Tempe Wyck Road at Leddell Road and Jocky Hollow Road
· Randolph Twp: Center Grove and Quaker Church
· Rockaway Boro: Academy Street
Partially Closed Roads (One Lane Open)
· Montville Twp: Main Road #243
· Roxbury Twp: Center Street at JCP&L substation
MORRIS COUNTY — As part of the Administration’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver today announced the creation of the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program. The program, administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, will provide emergency grant funding to small property owners for COVID-19 related decreases in rent revenue for a four-month period between April and July 2020.
Funded through the CARES Act, grant amounts will be generated based on the total amount of missed rental payments and the number of COVID-impacted rental units that serve low- and moderate-income tenants.
Landlords who receive assistance will be required to pass along benefits to their tenants by forgiving back rent and late fees accumulated by COVID-19 impacted units.
“To emerge stronger from this crisis, we need to make direct investments in our hardest-hit neighborhoods and communities,” said Governor Murphy. “Ensuring that responsible landlords can continue to maintain their properties and provide quality housing to our tenants is essential to our recovery. Through this program, we can also provide direct support to COVID-impacted renters by forgiving back-rent.”
We know that many of New Jersey’s landlords are not companies or corporations. Rather, they are families and individuals. And like the families they rent to, they are struggling because they are often locked out of access to capital and federal resources,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves at Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and Chair of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) Board. “The number one priority of this program is to offer much-needed relief to small landlords, who will in turn pass along the benefits to their tenants who are also fighting to stay afloat in the midst of this ongoing public health and economic crisis.”
“No family should be without a home, especially in a national pandemic. Approximately 30% of all New Jersey renters and 27% of low- and moderate-income renters live in 3-10 unit buildings. We have designed this grant program to ensure that our most vulnerable renters and landlords get the help that they need,” said Charles A. Richman, Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. “At NJHMFA, our mission to ensure safe and equitable housing for every resident of New Jersey has never been more critical than during this crisis. These dollars will have an increased impact on securing financial sustainability for New Jersey’s families. HMFA is enormously proud to provide this assistance to landlords and tenants and thankful for Governor Murphy and Lt. Governor Oliver’s championing of this program.”
“No one should lose the roof over their head or their business because we failed to act during this crisis,” said Congressman Andy Kim. “I voted to pass the CARES Act because we needed bold action to help get our communities through this pandemic, and I’m proud to see programs like this being set up that will help our neighbors stay on their feet during these tough times.”
“This funding from the CARES Act will ensure that small landlords are able to maintain their livelihoods and support their families and that tenants do not lose their homes during a pandemic,” said Congressman Tom Malinowski. “I will continue to fight in Congress to bring federal resources home to help struggling New Jerseyans get through this crisis.”
One-third of program funds will be reserved for applicants who are registered in DCA’s RIMS database as individual or family owners. Qualified applicants must meet the following specifications:
Owners with properties that have at least 3 but no more than 10 total housing units;
Owners with properties that are not seasonal or vacation rentals;
Properties must have current fire inspection certificates as of March 9, 2020;
Owners of properties with at least one non-vacant rental unit impacted by COVID-19 between April and July 2020; and
Owners with properties that have low- to moderate-income rent levels or rent based on up to 80% of the median area income.
Applications must be submitted between August 19 at 9:00 a.m. and August 26 at 1:00 p.m. to be considered. Grant funding will be allocated on a case by case basis, based on the number of COVID-impacted units, and the amount of missed rent. Applicants must be the Primary Property Owner of residential rental property in New Jersey and be registered with DCA’s Bureau of Housing Inspection as of July 17, 2020. Applicants can check here to see if their property is registered.
For more information on the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program click here.
Boy, it has been a tough few days here in Parsippany…On Tuesday a Tropical Storm went through our town and it really left its mark. Trees down everywhere and not tiny, scrawny trees.
But sixty – seventy-year-old Oaks that have stood against all previous weather battles. Where I live in Glacier Hills the number of trees down and wires down, poles broken matched or exceeded Hurricane Sandy and the Ice Storm of a few Octobers ago.
On Tuesday so many power lines were down that we were afraid to walk outside, one of the things that happened to me was while I was talking to neighbors to see how they did, we all heard a “POP” sound and saw a white ball of smoke coming from what appeared to be my home. A neighbor called the power company but could not get through, she then called our Fire Department. Within minutes a truck from the Mt. Tabor Fire Department was in front of my home, three young men walked up to me – lead by a Lieutenant. They asked me what the problem was, could I show them where it occurred. They were in full uniform on that hot, humid afternoon. Using some kind of electronic gear they methodically went over the whole outside of the house where the smoke was. They then went into my basement, and finally, they crawled into the attic.
Thank GOD they found nothing. I have never had the need for the fire department in my over 50 years living in Parsippany. Let me tell you that although they found nothing that I felt proud of just watching these young, highly trained men do their jobs. How lucky are we to live in a town where such men still volunteer to help the rest of the community and do it for free, they are after all volunteers. As the Mayor said in his daily report that the Ambulance Squads were busy all day, running all over town – doing yeoman’s work…
As I started to write this letter I realized that we live in a town where those “Unseen-Essential Workers” go on about their daily chores, the trash is picked up, the yard waste disappears, the water comes out of the taps and the wastewater disappears down the toilet, when it snows – before the last flake hits the ground the snowplows are clearing our streets…We just take for granted, our town is one of the safest in New Jersey – Thanks to our excellent Police Department, and finally, those people who work in the various departments in Town Hall – each trying their best to help a citizen when they call or come into the building…
I realize why so many people STAY in Parsippany…My wife passed on five years ago, I could have gone to Florida or Pennsylvania, paid 25% of the property taxes we pay here, but as I have learned – I never hear people complain about our town services when we get together, taxes yes, but services never. Just talk to people who pay high taxes and still have to pay some contractors to take their garbage and other charges that we just take for granted. A good friend lives in an upscale community, garbage is a private contractor, she has well water that MUST be tested twice a month, she has a septic system that she pays to have emptied twice a year, and she complains that it often is the day after a snowstorm when her street is plowed and cleaned. How lucky are we??
In closing let me say this – Our town does NOT run JCP&L, so down power lines – the blame goes there, but when I needed help the fire department sent three of their best men, who did their job and did it well…To Mt. Tabor Fire Company – Thank You! To the Town of Parsippany Employees, just keep doing what you have been doing for the over 50 years that I have lived here…Be safe and God Bless you all!
PARSIPPANY — In March/April when COVID-19 started to impact our community, a lot of people started to mobilize help. Riya Dadheech, an Eighth grader, came up with a unique idea “Classes 4 A Cause” to help our community.
Around the middle of April, Riya called up her friends Nehal Singhal, Anika Arora, Prisha Khanna, Malvika Chainani, Krrish Thakker, and Ria Jain.
The entire team immediately agreed to volunteer their time and conduct online classes. Students between the ages of 6-13 would enroll and pay a nominal fee to learn or brush up skills such as Bollywood Dance, Taekwondo, Hindi, Coding/Programming, Indian Culture, Prayers, Spanish and Art.
The volunteers worked hard and designed 6-week courses. Classes began on May 24. During this first batch of classes, C4C team raised about $1000. 100% of the proceeds went to deliver food at Parsippany Food Pantry and Interfaith Food Pantry, Morris Plains.
The second batch of classes (started on June 5), more volunteers Milap Mistry, Aarnav Unadkat, Aarush Khanna, Prathmesh Trivedi, and Vanshika Pahilwani joined C4C team. Newer courses such as Chess, Math, Algebra, Rubik Cube were also added.
Encouraged by the success of two batches of six-week courses, C4C launched “Virtual Summer Camp” on July 15. Summer camp runs through August 21. During the summer camp enrollment, students pick two skills they want to learn/polish. Classes take place every weekday or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday depending on the week the students sign-up for. Please visit https://Classes4ACause.PurplePaint.org to learn more and to enroll.
Riya Dadheech, founder of Classes 4 A Cause and Purple Paint says, “It is really a win-win-win situation. Parents will be able to focus on their work as they work from home, children will spend a summer vacation in a constructive way learning new skills and above all 100% proceeds go to support our community.”
Riya Dadheech, 14, Morris County Vocational Technology School; Taught the Coding/programming class
Riya said “I had a great time teaching the students. It was very rewarding being able to see the students learn new subjects. What was even more rewarding was being able to help our community, especially during these difficult times. When we delivered the food and discovered how many people we were able to impact it was a very satisfying feeling.”
“Working with the Classes 4 A Cause team was a great experience. Everyone worked very hard and spent their own time to help others. On behalf of the Soup Kitchens, Food Pantries, and people we were able to impact I wanted to say a HUGE thank you to the entire team for helping out during these difficult times,” continued Riya.
Krrish Thakker, 14, Morris County School of Technology; Taught was beginner, intermediate, and advanced Spanish
Thakker said “Overall, my experience was really fun and unique. I was able to improve my Spanish and teaching ability, while sharing my knowledge, and was able to do all of this for a good cause. I just would like to thank PurplePaint, Riya, and her parents for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”
Anika Arora, 13, Brooklawn Middle School; Taught Art classes and Indian Culture
Anika said “I found myself very lucky to be able to be a part of Classes for a Cause and for gaining such a great experience from this initiative. I loved going to set up for my classes every Saturday morning, preparing to teach someone something new while making a difference for someone heavily impacted by Covid-19. It was so rewarding to start the session with a blank slate, and then see my students grow so much more knowledgeable in their subjects. I got to spend my time not only making a difference for my students and my community but also got to teach topics I loved. I had a great time being a part of the Classes for a Cause team and for being able to do something meaningful during this time.”
Vanshika Pahilwani, 14, Morris Hills High School; Taught Bollywood dance classes – one advanced and one beginner class
“I loved the experience! In the past, I have taught a few dance classes to kids in person. After teaching online dance classes, I became even more confident in my teaching and choreography skills. Online teaching was a completely new experience for me. Something that intrigued me was that you can teach anyone around the globe right from your own computer. I had so much fun getting to know my students and teaching them each choreography. They were focused, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. I could tell that they love dancing and music and I am so glad I was able to share that passion with them! Thanks to Riya for this opportunity to help my community during these COVID-19 times,” said Vanshika.
“I am a rising eighth-grader. Teaching this class was an amazing experience! It was fun sharing my interests with other kids who were also interested in the same. At the end of the session, it felt good to see that the kids learned something new and could now share it with others. Overall, I was really happy knowing that my students learned self-defense,” said Prisha.
Aarush Khanna, 15, Morris Hills High School; Taught mathematics, for grades Kindergarten to 6th Grade
Aarush said ‘I am a rising sophomore at Morris Hills High School. I had a great time teaching with Classes 4 a Cause, not only was I able to help out others during this time of crisis all over the world (through the direct tutoring and the money that goes to charity) I also gained some valuable experience about mentoring.”
Nehal Singhal, 14, Morris Hills High School. Taught both Beginner and Advanced Hindi language, class
“Overall, it was a truly fulfilling experience and I am really grateful for the opportunity to help my community. I was not only able to help people in our community who were being impacted by the coronavirus but also was able to share my knowledge with other children and help them utilize their time during the lockdown in a productive manner while enabling them to connect with their Indian roots by learning Hindi,” said Nehal.
Prathamesh Trivedi, 14, Morris Hills High School; Taught Chess
“My overall experience went well, and I was happy to have students that wanted to learn from me and excited to learn chess,” said Prathamesh.
Milap Mistry, 17, Cumberland Valley High School; Taught Algebra
Milap said “This was my first time teaching. It was good.”
Ria Jain, 14, Taught dance classes.
Ria said “I had a great experience. It was fun to teach the kids and I also learned a lot. I learned how to keep engaged and focused. Over-all I had a great time working with Classes 4 A Cause.”
Aarnav Unadkat, 16, Taught Rubik’s Cube
“Through Classes 4 a Cause, I gained some great experiences in teaching online. From the first day, there were so many extra challenges that I had to sort out because I was teaching remotely. It was a great experience overall, and I was able to achieve great satisfaction when I would see him make progress,” said Aarnav.
Malvika Chainani, 14, Brooklawn Middle School
Malvika said, “Was amazing to be part of Classes 4 A Cause and contribute to the community in a small way.”
MORRIS COUNTY — On Monday, August 10, 2020, Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq. will merge the old with the new through the use of innovation and modern technology by live-streaming the drawing of ballot positions to comply with the statutory requirement of a public “witnessing”.
“Due to the Covid-19 restrictions inviting the public into the building to witness the drawing is prohibited. To comply with the statutory requirement and offer a very real-time view of the workings of election law, the use of innovation and modern technology allowed us to create a new pathway for compliance and permitted accessibility to a broader public audience,” said Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq.
The Morris County Clerk’s Office invites all who are interested in witnessing the drawing for ballot positions to visit their Facebook page for the live stream at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10. Please stay safe and healthy. We will get through this together.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Carmelo! He is a 10-year-old Pit Bull Lab mix. He has a gorgeous caramel coat and bright brown eyes that add to his gentle soul.
He is laid-back and calm. He prefers to sleep in a comfy, cool spot during the day, or go explore the backyard and lay in the shade with a nice breeze.
He has had a rough start to life. He was abandoned at a garbage site eating scraps until animal control found him. He is very frightened which has to do with his neglect and abuse from his previous owner. Despite this, he is becoming trusting towards people.
Melo comes out of his shell whenever another dog is around. His tail wags immediately and he tries to give his new doggy friend kisses! He would greatly benefit from having a confident friend who will show him the ropes in his new home.
He is mostly house trained and doesn’t mind being left in a crate. He walks nicely on a leash and loves to smell new scents on his walks! Melo would do best in a quiet home with kids above the age of 16.
With time and patience, Melo will warm up to you and show how much of a sweet boy he is. He will always accept the love you have to offer. He will gently rest his head in your lap and drift to sleep, followed by his soft snores!
Since he is an older gentleman, he is looking for a home that will keep him in comfort for the rest of his golden years. His spine is unfortunately arthritic and causes him pain so his activity is low. He has been through so much and needs a place where he can relax and receive unconditional love.
Carmelo’s name comes from his beautiful coat and mellow disposition. He is also as sweet as a Caramel treat! He is eager to find a family that will show him the good things life has to offer!
If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out an application by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — A message from Mayor Michael Soriano:
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
I just got off a conference call between JCP&L leadership and the 39 towns in Morris County. Parsippany is not alone. We collectively expressed our incredible frustration with the slow restoration process. Currently, in Parsippany, we have about 13,000 customers out of power, down from a peak of about 16,000 on Tuesday (and for those asking, yes, I am among the 13,000 without power).
The biggest issue JCP&L is facing right now is the tremendous damage done to the main substations and transmission lines during the storm. The reason you may not presently see JCP&L trucks on your street is because the main transmission lines need to be repaired first. Those main lines power the local lines in your neighborhood. Once that process is completed for a certain area, crews will move into neighborhoods to work on local power lines.
I have been in touch with JCP&L constantly since Tuesday evening. While Parsippany was not the hardest-hit town in terms of percentage of homes without power, we do have more overall outages than any other town in the county. Working with many of our HOA leaders and our emergency response leaders, we have demonstrated to JCP&L that Parsippany is a priority, and needs immediate and targeted attention.
I’ll continue to update you as I receive and press for updates.
PARSIPPANY — A brief update about yesterday’s weather event. UPDATE: As of right after the filming of today’s community update video, JCP&L power outage has reduced from 56% to 51%. If you have power outages, please remember to report them at 1-888-544-4877.
PARSIPPANY — Over the last several weeks, manpower shortages relating to the pandemic have led to delays in sanitation pickups, particularly recycling and yard waste. In an effort to get our schedule back on track permanently, we are seeking seasonal employees to serve in our Sanitation Division from August through November. Anyone interested in applying, please contact Marge or Michelle at 973-263-7273 or email mwoelk@parsippany.net or mhess@parsippany.net.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Councilmembers Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson invited residents of the 11th Congressional District to join them for a “Morris Meet and Greet” in support of and featuring Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill on Monday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m.
Councilwoman Janice McCarthy
As local elected officials, McCarthy and Peterson understand that Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has been a strong fighter for New Jersey in Congress, and want to bring residents together to hear from the Congresswoman ahead of the November 3 election.
“Congresswoman Sherrill has been an essential voice for New Jersey and the residents of Parsippany throughout this crisis,” Peterson explained, adding, “Her leadership is more proof that we need strong leaders in office who will always work to take care of residents in our communities. It is vital we do everything we can to return her to the House this November.”
Councilwoman Emily Peterson
McCarthy strongly encouraged residents to attend, noting, “This event will be a fantastic opportunity to hear from Congresswoman Sherrill and understand the many things that she and her team have been doing to support our community.”
Residents who are interested in attending may sign up before the event by clicking here or at pardems.org.
An email will be promptly sent to those who sign up indicating more information on the event.
MORRIS COUNTY — The following statement is being issued on behalf of the entire Morris County Freeholders by Freeholder Director Deborah Smith:
“At the outset, you should know we share your frustration over what seems to be an inordinate delay in reopening our roads and restoring power to many neighborhoods. What you need to know is that our county Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is actively working with utilities and first responders in all 39 towns to expedite the recovery.
Freeholder Director Deborah Smith
“In a phone conference this morning, including OEM, local police and emergency officials, JCP&L reported that of the 150,000 Morris County customers impacted by the storm on Tuesday, 92,361 remain without power. By this afternoon, JCP&L reported they got that down to 84,622 customers.
“The utility explained Morris County was the third hardest-hit county in the state and said the key to restoring power and clearing roads is the ongoing repair work JCP&L is conducting at multiple substations that were knocked out by Isaias.
“Today, as in previous daily phone conferences, local police and officials expressed frustration with Verizon and JCP&L, especially regarding downed trees, poles, and wires that have isolated entire communities. As this situation unfolds, we want to assure you that our county OEM is in constant contact with all local first responders, who are relaying their priority lists of road closures, water supply interruption, sewer interruption, power outages and potential hazards in every neighborhood in every town.
“OEM has been providing each town in need with additional generators to keep major facilities operating, coordinating the clean-up effort, and enlisting the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to provide equipment and manpower to every town in need of support.
“Many towns have set up “cooling stations” for people in need of water and ice, while emergency officials and the county Human Services Department are keeping in direct contact with every hospital, care facility, and senior complex in our county.
“Due to the COVID pandemic, our Human Services Department already developed a process of checking on our most vulnerable populations. But today our OEM reminded each town to conduct their own welfare-checks on vulnerable citizens who may require emergency services, particularly those without power who may need to relocate to the homes of family and friends.
“Our Morris Area Paratransit System (MAPS) is active and available to vulnerable Morris County residents who may need to relocate. Additionally, anyone in need of assistance is being urged to dial 211. Because police and fire departments are focused on keeping residents safe and resolving dangerous situations, please do not dial 911 unless you face a life-threatening emergency.
“While the power outages and road closures are troubling for many families, all of us in Morris County have successfully pulled through similar situations in the past, including Hurricane Irene, the October 2011 Snowstorm and Superstorm Sandy because we have worked together, remained calm and provided our first responders with the resources necessary to restore our community to normalcy.
“Please rest assured, we will get beyond this crisis.’’
The Morris County Board of Freeholders includes Director Deborah Smith, Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Doug Cabana, Kathy DeFillippo, John Krickus, Tom Mastrangelo, and Tayfun Selen.
Dear Editor:
He has had a rough start to life. He was abandoned at a garbage site eating scraps until animal control found him. He is very frightened which has to do with his neglect and abuse from his previous owner. Despite this, he is becoming trusting towards people.
