PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills announced that Township Leaf Bags will NOT be available for purchase this year.
If you have any questions, please call (973) 263-7273.
Township Leaf Bags Will Not Be Sold This Year
Morris County COVID-19 Cases Down 95% Since April Peak
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders and county Office of Emergency Management officials released data showing a 95% drop in COVID-19 cases since a devastating April peak and the launch of a highly successful county mobilization of local resources to combat the pandemic spread.
The board emphasized that the results should not be a cause for any residents to stop following safety precautions or guidelines on socially distancing as the pandemic continues. But the board applauded the data, which indicates Morris County went from a daily average of 210 cases on April 13 down to a current daily average of 10 cases. Recent daily reports have shown cases trending further downward, and Atlantic Health System reported today having only two COVID-19 patients being treated at Morristown Medical Center.“Looking at this impressive decline in cases, we have to acknowledge the remarkable response coordinated by the county and local emergency and health authorities to this crisis, and the effective impact they have had,” said Freeholder John Krickus, who publicly presented the data at a public freeholder meeting.
Additional data charts are available by clicking here.
“This is very encouraging data and a testament to Morris County’s swift and direct response. We immediately worked with local health officials when the crisis began in March, we connected with medical facilities in the area and we brought on more public health staff to meet the challenge – all while managing to keep essential county operations, such as road and bridge repair projects, going,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.“We also established a testing center for our residents, and we expect to continue our testing efforts – expanding into at-home testing as well as establishing mobile testing — with a portion of more than $7 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) funding secured last week through the Governor’s office.”
Morris County spent $3.8 million in its response to COVID-19 this past spring without any assurance of reimbursement by the federal or state government, but federal and state authorities are providing a portion of the $7 million in CARES aid to cover the expenses. Another $3.3 million will be used for testing moving forward, until June 2021.
“The county’s objectives were to protect the health of Morris County residents and, in the process, allow for the reopening of businesses and other enterprises ordered to shut down by the Governor. We are pleased the efforts have been recognized, and that a large portion of the federal CARES dollars will be put toward reimbursement,” said Director Smith.
Through a COVID-19 Recovery Task Force created by the freeholders to address the pandemic’s impact on community-based organizations and businesses, the county announced on August 13 that it would begin to provide infrared thermometers to community-based organizations and faith-based groups for use at gatherings that follow state social distancing and face-covering guidelines.
“We began with 300 thermometers, and I’m pleased to announce that, in just two weeks, we have approved 120 of the devices for distribution to a very diverse group of organizations spread throughout Morris County,” said Freeholder Tayfun Selen. “We will continue to call attention to the program until we get all 300 units out to the groups who request and need them. I also want to say that the Morris County Sheriff’s Office has been an incredible partner, hand-delivering each unit to the community-based and religious organizations who need them.”
To learn more about Morris County’s initiatives to address COVID-19 since February and other significant announcements about the virus in New Jersey click here.
Slotkin, Sherrill Welcome Commitment from General Milley to Uphold Military’s Apolitical role
PARSIPPANY — U.S. Reps. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today welcomed commitments they received from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, to protect the military’s apolitical status, avoid military involvement in the election process, respect the peaceful transition of presidential authority under the Constitution and refuse to obey any unlawful orders.
Milley’s answers came in response to questions Slotkin and Sherrill submitted following a July hearing of the House Armed Services Committee on military involvement in civilian law enforcement, and in the wake of comments and actions by President Trump suggesting he might seek to use active-duty forces for domestic political purposes. Sherrill was able to address some, but not all, of these issues during the hearing. Slotkin and Sherrill submitted their questions for Milley and to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper; Esper has yet to respond.
Among Milley’s commitments:
- Asked about the possibility of officials trying to use the military for partisan political gain, Milley said, “I believe deeply in the principle of an apolitical U.S. military” and committed to obey all lawful orders and to refuse to obey any lawful order.
- Asked if there are any circumstances under which he would deem it necessary to send the U.S. military to polling places, Milley answered that, “State and Federal governments have qualified individuals who oversee” elections and that, “I do not see the U.S. Military as part of this process.”
- Milley confirmed that disputes over election outcomes must be resolved by civilian authorities, saying, “In the event of a dispute over some aspect of the elections, by law U.S. courts and the U.S. Congress are required to resolve any disputes, not the U.S. Military.… We will not turn our backs on the Constitution of the United States.”
Article II of the Constitution of the United States vests the power of the Presidency in one President and gives Congress the authority to certify his or her election. The Uniformed Code of Military Justice requires members of the U.S. military to obey orders from the congressionally-certified President.
Remote Support Services Offered for County Businesses to Deal with COVID Crisis
MORRIS COUNTY — Valuable services and resources designed to support business recovery for employers as they adapt operations and readjust their workplaces to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered by the Morris-Sussex-Warren Workforce Development Board.
The board can advise help businesses on finding employees with unique skills, covering costs of employee training, re-tooling your workplace, and other important items.
The Morris-Sussex-Warren Workforce Development Board is responsible for planning, policy guidance, and oversight of the workforce development system in the three-county region of Northwest New Jersey.
For information on services, contact Beth Rodgers, Associate Director of Business Services at (973) 631-5145 or brodgers@co.morris.nj.us
REMOTE BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
WHERE CAN I FIND EMPLOYEES WITH SPECIAL SKILLS?
Recruitment and Hiring Initiatives
Virtual meetings to discuss business needs
Assistance with job posting and talent search- local, state, and national labor market exchange, click here.
Recruitment & marketing events to jobseekers
Virtual Job Fairs – Promotion to jobseekers
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THE COSTS OF HIRING?
On-the-Job Training(OJT)
Partially Paid Salaries
To help cover the costs of OJT training for new hires. We’ll reimburse you up to 50% of the salary for up to six months
CAN YOU HELP ME WTH COSTS FOR TRAINING MY EMPLOYEES?
Training/Re-tooling
Funding is available to support training
Existing Employees
Initiatives for upskilling/cross-training
Growth and competitiveness
WHAT ELSE MIGHT STRENGTHEN MY WORKFORCE?
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Receive a federal tax credit to hire employees with employment barriers including, but not limited to, the disabled, certain veterans, and general assistance recipients.
Other support services:
New Jersey Career Connections: Comprehensive support for employers and job seekers. Click here
Employers in critical industries should submit information about openings with urgent hiring needs related to COVID19 by clicking here.
Morris County Prosecutor Announces New Hire: Taylor S. Sharofsky
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, First Assistant Prosecutor Thomas A. Zelante, and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriguez announces the hiring and swearing-in of Taylor S. Sharofsky as an Assistant Morris County Prosecutor.
Assistant Prosecutor Sharofsky was officially given her oath of office on August 24, 2020, by the Hon. Thomas J. Critchley, Jr., Criminal Division Judge.
Assistant Prosecutor Sharofsky will be assigned to the Pre-Trial Services Unit. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania State University and graduated from New York Law School following her undergraduate studies.
Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a Legal Assistant, Assistant Prosecutor Sharofsky worked as a Law Clerk for the Appellate Division and Superior Court, Criminal Division, Morris/Sussex Vicinage.
Prosecutor Knapp said, “We are excited to have Assistant Prosecutor Sharofsky join our team of Assistant Prosecutors here at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. I am confident that she will serve honorably and will benefit the residents of Morris County.”
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp Announces Retirement
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announced today that he is retiring from his current position which he has held since 2012. His last day as Prosecutor will be October 13, 2020, with his retirement effective November 1, 2020.
Prosecutor Knapp was appointed Acting Morris County Prosecutor on December 14, 2012 by then-Governor Chris Christie. After serving in that capacity for approximately 18 months, Knapp and five other prosecutors were confirmed by the New Jersey Senate on June 27, 2014.
In his letter to Governor Phil Murphy, Prosecutor Knapp stated: “Please accept my thanks and appreciation for allowing me to serve as Morris County Prosecutor. Having served the people of Morris County and the State of New Jersey has been the highlight of my professional career for which I will be forever grateful to you and to former Governor Chris Christie.”
During his tenure as Prosecutor, Knapp served as President of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey (CPANJ) for the year 2018.
On February 11, 2018, Prosecutor Knapp was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy as a Commissioner on the New Jersey Sentencing Review and Revision Commission which has issued a report and recommendations to remedy disparities in sentencing, many of which are contained within proposed legislation pending before the Legislature.
On June 8, 2017, Knapp was named “Prosecutor of the Year” by the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement Officers Association.
On March 18, 2020, the New Jersey Bias Crime Officers Association presented Prosecutor Knapp with their “Visionary Leadership Award”.
Prosecutor Knapp has served as a Commissioner of the New Jersey Police Training Commission since January 2017 as the delegate of the CPANJ.
Knapp stated: “I am exceedingly proud of the men and women of the MCPO with whom I have served. All are law enforcement professionals singularly dedicated to doing justice. It has been my distinct honor and pleasure to have led the MCPO and these outstanding public servants. They often perform incredibly brave and selfless acts in the line of duty, unrecognized by the public, for which they should all be commended.
“I plan to relax and spend more time with my family, especially my grandson, in the coming months and to pursue other professional endeavors.”
Parsippany Community Update August 28, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Food and School Backpack Distribution taking place tomorrow, August 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the County College of Morris at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. Look for signs to Parking Lot 1.
Parsippany Community Update August 27, 2020
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s sewer facility is among the most advanced in our region and serves neighboring municipalities in addition to Parsippany. Here’s our Sewer Superintendent Joe Beckmeyer to talk about our Sewer Division. For more information call the Sewer Division at (973) 428-7593.
Parsippany Municipal Auction Begins August 31
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will be conducting an online auction of surplus equipment and vehicles beginning Monday, August 31, and ending Monday, September 14 by clicking here.
Those who are interested in bidding must register an account with Municibid first. All items are being sold in ‘as-in’ condition without any implied warranties or guarantees, the Township does not accept returns on auctioned items/vehicles.
Trump Rally to be held in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Trump rally will be held at the intersection of Baldwin Road and Route 46, on Saturday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Bring your Trump and American flags, hats, and signs. Be sure to bring your mask to show to follow COVID-19 guidelines.
Bring your family and friends for a fun day as we STUMP FOR TRUMP. North Jersey lets do this and show Murphy how RED this blue state is.
Harry Martin is sponsoring this event.
Meet Mac… Mac and Cheese to be exact
PARSIPPANY — This 2-year-old American Bulldog/Pit mix is an absolute love and will be your favorite dog ever! We are so excited that Mac has successfully completed extensive, professional training and is ready for his forever home!
Mac loves to cuddle, give kisses, and go for walks. He’s a total mush just like his name! He does have a prey drive and his owner will need to be aware while walking him.
Mac is good with other large dogs but would do best in a home without any other pets or children. He is potty-trained and walks well in a harness. He also knows “sit” and “come!” Mac is very eager to please.
Mac is also happy to help you finish your meals and loves snacks. What can we say, his name is on point! Mac’s ideal home is one that doesn’t have frequent visitors or parties–he wants you all to himself–but also one that loves to go for long walks who plays lots of fetches!
If you’re looking for a big snuggle bug to add to your home, apply to adopt Mac today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
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Murphy Extends Public Health Emergency in New Jersey
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 180. The Order extends the Public Health Emergency that was declared on March 9, 2020, through Executive Order No. 103, which was previously extended on April 7, May 6, June 4, July 2, and August 1. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.
“In New Jersey, we have made significant progress in the fight against COVID-19, but this fight is still not over,” said Governor Murphy. “Extending the public health emergency will provide us access to all available resources to continue saving lives and mitigating the spread of this virus.”
Executive Order No. 180 extends all Executive Orders issued under the Governor’s authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act. It also extends all actions taken by any Executive Branch departments and agencies in response to the Public Health Emergency presented by the COVID-19 outbreak.
For the full text of Executive Order No. 180, click here.
Murphy Signs Executive Order Allowing Gyms, Indoor Amusement and Water Parks to Reopen
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 181, which permits gyms and health clubs, as well as amusement and water parks, to reopen their indoor premises to the public on Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00 a.m., provided these facilities comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health.
“Gyms are among the most challenging indoor environments to prevent the transmission of COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “Given where we are in this fight and the overwhelming personal responsibility demonstrated by gym owners and gym members over the past several months, we can confidently take this important step on our road back.”
“Exercise is very important for the body and the mind, but it needs to be done in a healthy environment to protect not only those in the facility but the community at large,“ said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Given the potential for transmission indoors, this guidance provides strict guidelines for staff and customers to follow closely to stay healthy while enjoying their workout or class.”
Under the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, gyms and health clubs who reopen will be required to adhere to the health and safety standards listed in the “Guidance for Health Clubs/Gyms/Fitness Centers”. These standards, which will also apply to other recreational businesses that offer fitness classes and activities, include the following, among others:
- Limit occupancy of any indoor premises to 25 percent of the stated maximum capacity;
- Conduct a temperature screening and questionnaire of staff and clients upon entrance to the facility;
- Limit indoor group activities (e.g., classes) to no more than 1 individual per 200 square feet of accessible space or less, with all individuals being able to maintain 6 feet of distance from other individuals during the entire class;
- Require workers and customers to wear cloth face coverings at all times, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, such as when in the water and in other situations where the presence of a mask would pose a risk to the individual’s health, or where the individual is under two years of age;
- Demarcate six feet of distance between equipment, or blocking off equipment (e.g. every other machine) to maintain six feet of distancing between individuals using equipment;
- Require that reservations, cancellations, and pre-payments be made via electronic or telephone reservation systems to limit physical interactions;
- Limit occupancy in restrooms to avoid over-crowding;
- Inform clients to arrive dressed to workout/train and bring their own hand towel, water, yoga mat, boxing gloves, and any other equipment;
- Not permit the use of showers, with the exception of gyms with pools, which can have individually partitioned showers or communal showers with installed barriers/partitions at least six feet apart;
- Limit locker room use to hand washing and restroom use only; and
- >Adopt infection control practices and enhanced sanitization protocols.
Activities such as swimming in an indoor pool, tanning, outdoor dining, pick-up of food or beverage, and retail sales, which are otherwise permitted but which are not governed by the guidance, remain subject to applicable standards outlined in Executive Orders, Executive Directives and guidance.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 181, please click here.
For a copy of the Department of Health’s Executive Directive, please click here.
For a copy of the Department of Health’s Guidance for Health Clubs/Gyms/Fitness Centers, please click here.
Morris County Elected Officials Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage
MORRIS COUNTY — August is a big month in the fight for women’s equality!
August 18 was the historic 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment in which women finally won the right to vote. And, August 26 marks the official certification of the amendment by the U.S. Secretary of State.
The story did not end here. The fight continued until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 when women of color finally gained this basic, fundamental right in a democracy.
A group of Morris County elected officials is honoring these milestone moments by hosting a bipartisan celebration on Sunday, August 30, at 4:00 p.m., at the Madison Borough Hall, Hartley-Dodge Memorial Building.
All elected Morris County women at the local, county, state, and federal level are invited to attend as well as the general public.
The event will be held on the spacious steps of the historic town hall, with social distancing protocols followed and masks required.
The lineup of featured speakers includes Leslie Bensley, executive director, Morris County Tourism Bureau; Vanessa Brown, president, Morris County NAACP; Donna Guariglia and Marie Fornaro, co-presidents, Morristown-Area League of Women Voters; Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (D-25), Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-27); and youth activists.
The host committee is Madison Mayor Bob Conley, Morris Township Mayor Cathy Wilson, Mendham Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte, Morris Plains Committeewoman Nancy Verga, Morristown Councilwoman Sandi Mayer, Mountain Lakes Councilwoman Lauren Barnett, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Janice McCarthy, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Emily Peterson.
Now is a time to showcase the progress of women in politics, while seeking continued movement forward.
For questions or more information, please contact Mayor Bob Conley (mayor@rosenet.org) or Mendham Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte (aduarte@mendhamtownship.org).
Staples Is Offering Discounts to Teachers
PARSIPPANY — Staples is offering a 20% discount to all teachers as they gear up for the 2020-2021 school year. Staples is located in the Arlington Shopping Plaza, 760 Route 46 West, Parsippany.
1. Teacher Discount: Now through October 11, Staples is offering 20% off for teachers as they gear up for the new school year when they shop in-store. From traditional supplies to PPE and furniture, Staples has what teachers need to support learning this year and with a great discount. Teachers must provide school ID to receive discount. Exclusions apply*.
2. Classroom Rewards: As part of our Classroom Rewards program, for every qualifying purchase made at Staples through September 26, 20% in rewards will go directly to an enrolled educator of the customer’s choice when they enter their receipt by clicking here. Teachers can also earn a $5.00 gift reward when they enroll in Classroom Rewards. I have attached a flyer for your reference.
3. VIP Shopping Hours: We would like to support our teachers and allow them to shop in our stores before they open to the public. We understand how important it is to keep them healthy and safe for our upcoming school year and we wanted to be able to support our local teachers if they would be interested in teaming up with a bunch of other teachers to shop by appointment.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Staples can help schools make sure they have enough PPE to keep both their staff and students safe this upcoming school year. If a school needs bulk PPE products such as hand sanitizer, masks, shields, sneeze guards, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, gloves, etc… Please feel free to provide my information as a point of contact.
Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq. Addresses Election Results
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq., would like to reassure all voters, regardless of party affiliation, that the 2020 General Election will be conducted in full compliance with all applicable statutes and laws.
Clerk Grossi states, “My staff and I are working diligently to ensure that full compliance is being adhered t0 all aspects of Governor Murphy’s Executive Order #177. This includes fulfilling my duties as Secretary to the Board of Canvassers, which makes up the Board of Elections.”
The County Board of Canvassers is comprised of four Commissioners, two Republicans, and two Democrats, who certify the election totals and delivers them to Clerk Grossi for her signature. Clerk Grossi states, “As the Secretary to the Board of Canvassers, I have faithfully signed off on those election results for the past seven years and I am committed to doing so in the 2020 General Election.” She further states, “As a Constitutional Officer and as an Officer of the Court, I take an Oath to adhere to the rule of law, I am bound by that Oath, and I will ensure that Oath is upheld.”
Please check our website www.morriscountyclerk.org, Facebook account Morris County Clerk, Ann F. Grossi, Esq., and Twitter account @MorrisCtyClerk for updates and frequently asked questions pertaining to the 2020 General Election.
Gyms Can Reopen in New Jersey September 1
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says gyms can reopen September 1 at 25 percent capacity. Masks will be required, among other COVID precautions.
Murphy is expected to detail more on New Jersey gym protocol at his scheduled COVID briefing later Wednesday. According to NJ.com, the protocol will include:
- Size restrictions for indoor classes to one person for every 200 square feet of space in the room; equipment must also be kept at least 6 feet apart
- Mandatory facial coverings at all times
- Gym goers must sign forms upon entry that they will adhere to safety guidelines
- Gyms have to keep a log of clients and workers, including names and phone numbers, to assist contact tracers in the event of an outbreak
Gyms and indoor dining had been perhaps the two last and largest components of New Jersey’s economy that remained shut. Gyms were allowed to hold workouts outdoors and could hold one-on-one appointments with clients.
Kings Food Markets Filed Voluntary Chapter 11
PARSIPPANY — KB US Holdings, Inc., parent company of the Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market subsidiary banners, announced it has accepted a stalking horse bid from TLI Bedrock to purchase the Company for $75 million. To facilitate an orderly sale, KB and its subsidiaries have commenced voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
Kings is located in Boonton, Florham Park, Morristown, and other locations throughout New Jersey.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with a sale so we can position Kings and Balducci’s for even greater long-term success. During this COVID crisis, our Associates and communities have demonstrated not only the viability but absolute necessity of our markets in their communities. Our sales and service have never been stronger; we are confident we will emerge from this process without missing a beat, well-positioned for future stability and success,” said Judith Spires, CEO of KB US Holdings, Inc.
In conjunction with the sale process, KB has obtained a commitment for approximately $20 million in debtor-in-possession financing from its existing secured lender. Upon Court approval, the new financing, combined with cash generated from the Company’s ongoing operations, will be used to support the business throughout the sale process. KB has sufficient liquidity to meet its go-forward business obligations and will operate its business as usual and pay its business partners for goods and services provided on or after August 23, 2020, the Chapter 11 filing date.
As part of the Chapter 11 filing, the Company has filed a number of customary “first-day” motions seeking authorization to maintain its operations during the court-supervised process, including the authority to continue payment of employee wages and benefits, as well as post-petition obligations to its vendor community.
As part of the process, higher and better bids will be solicited, following the approval of bidding procedures under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Proskauer Rose LLP is serving as legal counsel, Ankura Consulting Group is serving as restructuring advisor and PJ Solomon is serving as investment banker to KB US Holdings, Inc.
For additional information including access to Court filings and other documents related to the court-supervised process, click here.
Parsippany Community Update August 25, 2020
PARSIPPANY — As always, you can keep up with the day-to-day numbers on the Morris County coronavirus tracker page by clicking here.
Murphy Announces New Modifications for General Election
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order to make modifications to this year’s primarily vote-by-mail (VBM) General Election. The order clarifies Executive Order No. 177.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to reevaluate the way we typically hold our elections,” said Governor Murphy. “With today’s executive order, we are implementing revised requirements to alleviate concerns and provide clarity to voters as they cast their votes.”
Effective immediately, Executive Order No. 179 makes the following modifications:
- Requires county clerks to publish a notice reflecting this year’s primarily vote-by-mail process;
- Permits county boards of elections to continue counting ballots every day until counting is completed; and
- Requires election audits to be completed by December 4, 2020.
Click here for a copy of Executive Order No. 179