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.
Governor Phil Murphy. Photo by Rich Hundley, Trentonian
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.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 171. 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, and July 2. Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, a declared public health emergency expires after 30 days unless renewed.
“New Jersey has made a lot of progress in the fight against COVID-19, but we cannot declare victory yet,” said Governor Murphy.“As we continue to work to save lives and stop a resurgence of this virus, we need access to all resources available to do so.”
Executive Order No. 171 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.
I had the pleasure of watching our high school athletes participate in outdoor socially distanced conditioning drills this week. Our coaches and teacher helpers have organized safety measures to keep students safe and following health guidelines. With all the uncertainty as states make decisions about returning to live instruction or remote learning, it was a hopeful sign to see our students on their home sports fields working out and enjoying time with their friends and coaches.
The current version of our Return to School Plan was presented at Wednesday evening’s Board of Education meeting and is available on our district website for review. There were several questions after the presentation related to students’ in-person and online instructional experiences. These included:
How often will live-streamed instruction occur for students during their week away from school?
How will science labs be replicated?
What should students expect on Virtual Fridays?
What will Band and Chorus instruction look like?
Which teachers will handle the remote instruction? Will it be the classroom teacher?
A committee of administrators and teachers is working to address all aspects of in-person and online instruction.
I understand that decisions in this area may determine whether you choose for your child to attend school or be fully remote. We may not be able to provide this for you within the time frame you desire. Nonetheless, it is important that parents log into their child’s Genesis account to answer questions for September regarding attendance in school and bus transportation. The deadline is Monday, August 3 and you may change your mind at any time.
As we move into August, things will begin to happen quickly. I will continue to utilize these Friday letters to keep you updated and communicate decisions about the school year, the academic experience, and more.
Best wishes for a great weekend!
Barbara Sargent, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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.
