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.
NORTH JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy announces an additional $15 million in CARES Act funding to support small businesses across New Jersey through the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program at A-List Hair Studio in North Brunswick on July 28, 2020.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Officer Josh Williams arrested Ms. Rachel Grant, 28, Parsippany, for DWI, on Monday, July 29.
Ms. Grant was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation when it was determined she was intoxicated.
Ms. Grant was charged with possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia. She was also issued summonses for DWI, failure to follow the marked course, failure to maintain lane, failure to keep right, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, reckless, careless, failure to signal, failure to yield, tailgating, speeding, and failure to stop for an emergency vehicle.
She was released to a friend pending her court date.
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.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Hall is now reopened to the public, and we’ve put a number of procedures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the decrease of indoor gathering capacity limit in response to the increase of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey.
Indoor gatherings are now limited to 25 percent of a room’s capacity, but regardless of the room’s capacity, the maximum limit shall be 25 persons, down from 100 persons.
For purposes of determining this limit, any private residence or residential unit shall be treated as a single room.
However, this change will not be applicable to the following events: weddings, funerals, memorial services, religious services, celebrations, or political activities. These events may continue under the previous rules that limited these events to 25 percent of a room’s capacity, but with a limit of 100 persons.
“In order to protect public health, we are retightening the restriction on indoor gatherings due to uptick of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy.
“We cannot stress enough that large and crowded indoor gatherings, where social distancing isn’t being practiced and face masks aren’t being worn, are not safe. Until there is a significant decrease in COVID-19 cases, these restrictions will continue to be in place.”
The Order takes effect at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 172, allowing any public employee eligible for enrollment into the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to immediately enroll upon hire, rather than waiting two months.
Previously, under Executive Order No. 115, the two-month waiting period was waived only for public employees hired specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This Order, which will last for the duration of the Public Health Emergency, applies to any public employee eligible for enrollment into the SHBP who is hired on or after March 9, 2020.
“New Jersey’s skilled workforce is essential to the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19 and the lack of health benefits coverage for newly hired personnel may be a deterrent to attracting and hiring the key staff necessary to continue our work during the pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “We must ensure that our workforce has seamless access to health care, including preventive services and medical care relating to COVID-19, throughout this once-in-a-century pandemic.”
This order will take effect immediately. Click here to download Executive Order 172.
PARSIPPANY — Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is one of the biggest festivals in India, is celebrated on Monday, August 3, across the country. It’s an occasion marking brotherly love between siblings. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, sisters tie ‘Rakhi’, a colorful band signifying love between siblings, on the wrist of their brother.
Heather Haque tied Rakhi band on Mahat’s wrist
Heather Haque, 31, a transgender resident of Parsippany because of her emotional attachment with Mahat Jalan, an actor, and model, tied a Rakhi band on his wrist.
“Acceptability, love, and attachment are more important to me than what others of Hindu society might think,” says Mahat.
When Mahat came to the United States in January, he became friends with Heather. His approach towards life is different, and his perspectives are open-minded, unlike other Indian men who were often rude towards trans people. “I need respect, and Mahat has so far respected my thoughts. I’m glad to have such a brother in my life,” said Heather.
MORRIS COUNTY — Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will now begin written driver tests, including commercial drivers, starting Monday, August 3, announced the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The tests will be given by appointment in all licensing centers except Oakland and Flemington, they said.
The demand is high, stated DMV officials so drivers are encouraged to make an appointment. Appointments can be made up to thirty days in advance click here.
Road tests restarted June 29, also on an appointment basis.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was notified at approximately 4:30 a.m. on reports of a stabbing in the Mill Run Apartments, on Harry and Judy Drive, off Route 10 in the Powdermill section of Parsippany. Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and The Morris County Sheriff’s Department are on the scene.
Sources at the scene indicate a domestic dispute which led a female to stab a male. At this time there is no danger to the general public.
Parsippany Focus is waiting for an official statement from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and will update this article when additional information becomes available.
The crime scene at Mill Run ApartmentsMill Run Apartments, Harry and Judy Drive
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morris County Freeholder Tayfun Selen joined the local Islamic Community during an Eid Ul-Adha prayer service at the Islamic Center of Morris County in Rockaway Borough on Friday, July 31.
Eid-ul-Adha Prayer was celebrated around the world on Friday, as the pandemic curfew forced people to limit gatherings and maintain social distancing.
Ahmed Kandil
Morris County Sheriff James GannonMorris County Freeholder Tayfun SelenMorris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerreEid Ul-Adha Prayer Service at the Islamic Center of Morris County
The Islamic Center of Morris County, NJ is registered with the State of NJ as a 501(c) (3), Non-Profit Religious & Educational organization for Muslims.