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Council Meeting Tonight, July 7 – 7:00 p.m.

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Council President Michael dePierro, Councilwoman Emily Peterson, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Councilwoman Janice McCarthy

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council agenda meeting Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

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.

Click here for the council meeting agenda.

Click here to access the meeting.

For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net

What is Sweet and Heavenly That Makes Everything Better? Sundae!

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Like the classic dessert, this two-year-old Pit Bull mix is as sweet as can be!

Sundae is a gentle soul who aims to please. She is the ideal family companion due to her loving nature! She would be great in a home with kids of any age and she is also dog-friendly.

Nothing makes Sundae happier than being in your company, specifically cuddled up in your arms. She is a true love bug that will cover your face in kisses and make sure your lap is always warm!

She loves receiving any affection you have to offer and will return the favor in double! She is easy-going and up for anything as long as you are there with her.

Sundae is working on her house training and leash training in her foster home. She does great with other dogs! She would thrive in a forever home with another canine companion. She will play all day with them and they can teach her the ropes. She cannot live with cats.

Sundae will certainly add some sweetness to your life.

If you are interested in adopting Sundae, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiseanimalrescue
Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiseanimalrescue/

Rochelle Blair Looks Toward Life After Howard University

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Soccer goalie Rochelle Blair, 22, wishes she was back home in New Jersey, but her parents, both semi-retired educators, and the family dog are sheltering in place in Florida, where they were spending the winter before the world changed due to COVID-19. Blair is in Maryland with a friend, keeping a positive attitude despite not having the graduation she’d hoped for at Howard University.

Rochelle is also a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2016.

Her dad coached basketball and football, and Blair credits him for nurturing her love of sports. She first played soccer at age three and her parents appreciated that expended some of her abundant energy. By the time the family settled in New Jersey when she was six, it was her favorite sport.

“I got on a little team that would practice right outside my elementary school,” she said. “I fell in love with it and it grew. I never wanted to stop playing. I started doing indoor things. I joined more teams.”

She also dabbled in basketball, but soccer was her love and she excelled despite having asthma. Although it didn’t determine her focusing on the goalie position, that has been a good choice, and she’s even kept an inhaler by the goalpost, especially on hot days.

Family ties are part of the reason Blair chose to attend Howard. Her mother taught there for more than a decade and most recently taught at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Blair wore the green highlight in her hair in honor of her mother and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. “I’m a legacy because of my mother, but because of soccer, I wasn’t able to pledge,” Blair said. “I was so excited we had pink jerseys my senior year [pink and green are AKA’s colors].”

Her father has attended almost every single one of Blair’s games. Her mother, who still mentors doctoral students, has missed some due to work obligations. Blair is looking into joining AKA as a post-grad. Playing a sport at Howard was fantastic and she treasures having been part of “a team of beautiful girls all different shades of brown,” she said. “I’d never been on a team that looked like that. It was really cool.”

An elementary education major, Blair is hoping to begin teaching in the near future. Soccer is still on her radar and she plans to join an adult team and said it would be fantastic to coach soccer to elementary school kids.

“Since we’ve been under quarantine, I’ve been reading books to kids online and doing mini-lessons,” she said. “Teaching elementary school is where my heart is.”

A Letter To The Class of 2020 From Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Assemblywoman Aura Dunn

July 6, 2020

Dear Class of 2020,

First, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2020. All your hard work, especially during a pandemic, has paid off. It is now time to take all that you have learned and make your way into an ever-changing world.

Who would have thought that the last time you would be in your schools would have been a few months ago? Kitchen tables became classrooms as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the country. While there may have been some hiccups along the way, you all adapted and persevered. After all your hard work, you made it to the finish line.

I understand your senior year did not go as you expected, so graduating might feel like a bittersweet moment. You are graduating, but missing many of the milestones that make senior year unique. You may have missed playing in your final varsity game or the magic of prom night. For many, it is the time lost with friends before you start the next chapter of your lives that hurts the most.

Do not fret, because these experiences have made you all stronger. You can adapt to whatever life throws at you, which is a skill you will undoubtedly need as you progress through this journey called adulthood. You understand the value of commitment even when the future seems uncertain.

Again, I commend all your hard work and wish you well in whatever the future holds.

Congratulations Class of 2020! The Greatest Generation!

Aura K. Dunn Assemblywoman, District 25

Dedication of Adelphia Road in Memory of Sergeant Derek McConnell

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Dedication of Adelphia Road in Memory of Sergeant Derek McConnell

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano dedicated Adelphia Road in Lake Parsippany, on Saturday, July 4, in Memory of Sergeant Derek Tra McConnell.

Sergeant Derek Tra McConnell

“I was honored to join Gold Star Mother Siobhan Fuller-McConnell to dedicate Adelphia Road in honor of her fallen son, Sergeant Derek McConnell of the US Army, whose life was cut short after serving our country in battle. Our Township was proud to commemorate his ultimate sacrifice to our country by honoring his name and his legacy,” said Mayor Michael Soriano.

Council President Michael dePierro said “Parsippany street dedication for Army Sergeant Derek McConnell on July 4, 2020. Derek McConnell was a true Hero. It was my honor to be there with Siobhan Mary and her family while Parsippany paid tribute to her son.”

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill said “It was an honor to be in Parsippany for the dedication of Adelphia Road for fallen hero Sergeant Derek McConnell with his family. Derek represents the best values of our nation — Dedication to country, service to others, and love for his family. We have an obligation to remember Derek’s commitment to our nation and to do better for all our service members injured while defending our freedoms. It is my hope that this memorial to Derek serves as a reminder of how much Derek loved and sacrificed for our country, and how much our community loves him in return.”

“It was a fitting tribute to recognize Sergeant Derek McConnell’s sacrifice on Independence Day. He represents the best in Parsippany, a true American hero, who paid the ultimate price so we could enjoy the freedoms found only in our great country. God bless Derek and his family,” said Morris County Clerk Ann F Grossi.

On July 23, 2011, Derek Tra McConnell was out on a dismounted patrol and hit two IEDs. The first one just knocked him out. He could have stood down, but he got right back up and that’s when he hit the second. He suffered from a left hip disarticulation (leg gone from the hip), right thigh above the knee amputation, skull fracture, TBI, jaw fractured in three places, missing teeth, broken ulna (arm in limb salvage and somewhat functioning), blast wounds and internal injuries. He battled serious infections and pneumonia for over three months, spent 53 days total in the ICU, and 7 months total as an inpatient. Derek did not let his injuries get him down. His sense of humor never quit attitude, and passion for life was infectious.

Derek was born in 1989, the second of five children. Derek moved to Parsippany in August 2009. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2010 and was stationed at Fort Drum, N.Y. Derek deployed to Afghanistan in March 2011. He was an aspiring writer and ghost hunter.

Krystina Dressler, Derek, and Derek’s mom, Siobhan Fuller-McConnell. Derek passed away in his sleep on March 18, 2013, at the Wounded Warrior Center, Bethesda/Walter Reed. Complications from wounds (double amputee) suffered in July 2011, Afghanistan.
Siobhan Fuller-McConnell with Mayor Michael Soriano
Siobhan Fuller-McConnell, Mayor Michael Soriano, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill
Brothers Michael Fuller, Ryan McConnell and Sean McConnell uncovers the street sign
Brothers Michael Fuller, Ryan McConnell, and Sean McConnell proudly holds the American Flag used to cover up the new street sign dedicated to their brother Derek McConnell
Former Mayor James Barberio, County Clerk Ann Grossi, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro and Gold Star Mom Siobhan Fuller-McConnell
Derek’s family
Attendees gathered in front of the American Flag displayed by Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer District 6

Mimi Letts Dedication Ceremony Postponed

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Mimi Letts

PARSIPPANY — At the request of the family, the Township is postponing tomorrow’s Mayor Mimi Letts dedication ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial Park gazebo to a later date.

Classes 4 A Cause Supports COVID-19 Impacted Community; Launches Virtual Summer Camp

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — Classes 4 A Cause (C4C) is excited to launch “Virtual Summer Camp.” Classes begin Monday, July 13. It is a fun-filled half-day virtual camp for children who may not be able to venture out due to the COVID-19 situation. While parents work from home, children will be busy learning new skills or maybe polish what they already know.

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, children will spend a summer vacation in a constructive way learning new skills and above all 100% proceeds go to support our community.”

Classes 4 A Cause aims to deliver 5000 lbs of food to various food pantries over the summer. Please enroll and support. And most importantly share Classes 4 A Cause Virtual Summer Camp in your network. We all can make a difference.

Classes 4 A Cause – C4C raised $1000 during the first session that ended on May 31. 100% of the proceeds were donated to Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany, and Interfaith Food Pantry, Morris Plains. Student volunteers Ria J, Nehal S, Malvika C, Krrish T, Prisha K, Anika A, and Riya D were behind the success of the first session. The second session is currently in progress and will end on July 12.

Classes 4 A Cause – C4C is continuously adding new classes. If you are a high school student or a rising high school student and would like to share your skills with other children, please contact them by sending an email to classes4acause@purpleppaint.org.

Classes 4 A Cause invites all parents to join the movement by enrolling children at classes4acause.purplepaint.org. You can also support by simply making a donation.

Hearts and Hands Held Preschool Graduation Parade

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Hearts and Hands Preschool Graduation Parade

PARSIPPANY — Hearts and Hands held a Preschool Graduation Parade on June 30.

Hearts and Hands was established in 2006 and is located at the Parsippany Presbyterian, 1675 Route 46.

On Friday, March 13 the staff was told they needed to close due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, they thought it would be for only a brief time, as many schools; they were sadly mistaken.  However, the struggle was real and could potentially affect the school significantly. The school decided they would open up Virtually.

The staff decided now more than ever it was important to keep the connections strong and offer the best experience they could imagine. They supplied multiple live classes with engaging learning experiences to be shared with the students and their families.  Everyone enjoyed bedtime stories, games, exercise classes, and coffee hour with the parents. They have always been known to strive to provide love and support to their school community.

The Virtual School year was extended until June 30.
They held a “Moving Up Parade: to congratulate and celebrate all of the PreK students.

They are currently running a Virtual youth camp program online. Their JLP and SLP programs are running smoothly and they are having a blast!

For more information click here or call (973) 257-5550.

Hearts & Hands preschool program was developed with the child and family in mind. Each small-sized class is staffed with educated, warm, and caring teachers dedicated to providing a safe, healthy, and nurturing learning experience for your child. Our goal is to deliver a curriculum that creates a learning environment rich in age-appropriate activities to encourage your child’s natural ability to learn.

Preschool Advantage Offers Financial Assistance for Preschool

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Hearts and Hands Preschool Graduation Parade

PARSIPPANY — Preschool Advantage, a locally-based non-profit organization, helps families pay for preschool at 28 Morris and Somerset County preschools, including All Saints Academy, Children’s Circle and Hearts and Hands in Parsippany.  (Click here for a full list of partner preschools.)

Applications for tuition assistance for the school year beginning in September 2020 are being accepted now. Children must be 3-or 4-years old by October 1, 2020.  You can call the Preschool Advantage office at (973) 532-2501 for an application or download by clicking here.

Preschool Advantage is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give children a fair chance to succeed in life. We raise funds to open the doors of preschool and unlock the possibilities beyond.

Kiwanis Club Welcomes New Member Bonnie Sturm

By
Frank L. Cahill
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New Kiwanis member Bonnie Sturm

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill welcomed new member Bonnie Sturm during a Zoom meeting on Thursday, July 2.

Bonnie recently retired from the Parsippany-Troy Hills School system after teaching for 35 years, her first year at Parsippany High School (85-86) then at Parsippany Hills High School for the last 34 years. She was also the Kiwanis Key Club advisor for the past 22 years.

Due to COVID-19, Cahill met Bonnie earlier in the week to give her the membership card, membership plaque, and her pin, then officially inducted her into the club on Thursday.

Cahill said “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new member to our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Bonnie Sturm to our club. Although not new to Kiwanis, we welcome Bonnie to our global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. These times of COVID-19, we are forced to do things a little differently. Bonnie will be a great asset to our club with her extensive experience as Key Club advisor.”

In addition, New Jersey District of Kiwanis International Governor Gordon Meth appointed Bonnie as a Key Club Zone Advisor.  The New Jersey District of Key Club is comprised of passionate, hard-working high schoolers dedicated to serving their homes, schools, and communities. We strive to make the world a better place through service and caring. The 2020 District Project this year is “Keeping the Garden State Green”! To learn more about our partners and everything you can do to contribute click here.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 77 members. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

If you are interested in learning about our club, we currently meet weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom. (Join us by clicking here). For more information click here.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany Working with Operation Chillout

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Club Members hard at work making pocket note cards for homeless veterans: Mary Ann Coyne, Marilyn Marion, Diana Freidinger (club State Special Project Chairman), Marilyn Zarzycki, Joan Garbarino, Betty Lagitch and Janet Reilly. (Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills)

PARSIPPANY — Every two years the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Club (NJSFWC) adopts an organization as the State Special Project. All clubs in the state federation work on projects to help the chosen organization. For the 2020–2022 Administration that organization is “OPERATION CHILLOUT”.

OPERATION CHILLOUT is New Jersey’s oldest (and only) all-volunteer mobile outreach for homeless veterans, men, and women, on a mission since December 21, 2000. Its motto is “no borders-no boundaries.” Its mission is to respond to the crisis of homelessness with direct compassionate actions. To learn more about OPERATION CHILLOUT click here.

Some of our club ladies have been busy already making little note cards to accompany items on the OPERATION CHILLOUT Gift Registry. The cards are made to fit into the pocket of the homeless veteran. Over 400 cards have been completed and are ready to be sent.

If you would like to donate to Operation Chillout please click on the link above. Items for their summer campaign include hats, t-shirts, and cases of water. If you do donate please type Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills in the business line (under your name) and also in notes on the payment page to let the organization know where you heard about Operation Chillout.

New members are always welcome to join the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, established in 1954. Our club is one of over 200 clubs that make up the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC. NJSFWC is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, or click here.

Minor Home Fire on Raymond Boulevard

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Fire in the basement of 335 Raymond Boulevard

PARSIPPANY — A Saturday afternoon minor fire was reported in the basement of 335 Raymond Boulevard.

Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 5, and Lake Hiawatha Fire Department District 4 arrived on the scene and distinguished a small fire in the basement caused by the resident cooking.  There were no injuries reported and the damage was minor.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad also at the scene.

Indian American Senior Association of Morris County Donate to Volunteer Ambulance Squads

By
Frank L. Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — In appreciation of services provided by Parsippany’s frontline heroes during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the Indian American Senior Association of Morris County recently donated $500.00 each to Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad in Lake Parsippany and Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad in Lake Hiawatha.

“In this crisis, we know our emergency responders are doing an excellent job helping the community,” said Rajni Patel. “They’re putting in so many hours to protect us all, even as volunteers; they don’t get paid. So it’s our way of giving back to them for everything they’re doing for us all.”

The donations will go directly to purchasing essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), used by emergency responders to ensure their safety throughout the course of this crisis. Both ambulance squads are also hoping to use donations they receive from the community to purchase and install ultraviolet lighting in their vehicles to help further protect and disinfect any surfaces that might come in contact with an infected resident.

The IASAMC is a registered Non-Profit Organization that works to serve and support the Indo-American senior community in the Township of Parsippany and Morris County.

The IASAMC also works to provide security, protection, and empowerment to older people in need of support. They offer presentations and seminars to address issues that concern seniors including healthcare, retirement planning, recreation, cultural integration & enrichment, even balanced nutrition. Additionally, the IASAMC organizes various programs to promote culture and education amongst residents 60 years and older, residing in the community.

For more information on IASAMC, please call 973-615-5935.

Maintenance Technician Charged with Sexual Assault at Arbor Terrace

By
Frank L. Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Morris Plains Police Department Chief Michael M. Koroski state that Anthony Ligon, 61, of Morristown, has been charged with Sexual Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(1), a crime of the second degree; and Criminal Sexual Contact in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3b, a crime of the fourth degree.

This defendant is alleged to have committed a sexual assault and an act of sexual contact on Friday, July 3, 2020, on a female resident, 82, who resides at Arbor Terrace Senior Living Facility, located in Morris Plains.

The defendant was employed by Arbor Terrace at the time of the offense as a maintenance technician. The defendant has been charged by warrant-complaint and is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform.

“At Arbor Terrace Morris Plains, we take any allegation of misconduct seriously and do not tolerate any form of abuse. While we cannot provide details on the alleged incident because there is an ongoing investigation, what we can tell you is that we acted swiftly, immediately calling the police, notifying the resident’s family, suspending the staff member in question and reporting the allegation to the New Jersey Department of Health. We are working with local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of the residents entrusted to our care – they are our family,” statement from Arbor Terrace Management.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Morris Plains Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to call the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Morris Plains Police Department at (973) 538-2284.

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.

Op Ed: Independence Day by Heather Darling

By
Focus contributor
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MORRIS COUNTY — Today, Independence Day, when we celebrate the separation of the 13 Colonies from the tyranny of British rule, it seems sensible to reflect on both past and present.  Out of this separation, we arrived at a Constitution of the United States and Constitution of individual States.  These Constitutions defined the rights of the people as ultimate and limited the representatives of the people to such powers as granted by the people and their representatives.  

Here in New Jersey, there is a constitution that begins with “We the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty” …sets forth the rights and privileges of the citizens of our state.  
 
Article I is titled “Rights and Privileges” and pertains to the people.  Paragraph 2(a) of Article I sets forth the edict “All political power is inherent in the people….and they have the right at all times to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it.”  Paragraph 2(b) reserves the right to recall any elected official in this State or representing this State in the  United States Congress.  Paragraph 3 affords the people the right to worship in the manner of their own choosing and freedom from being taxed to support the religious ideals of others or religious ideals contrary to the tenets of their own religion.  Paragraph 5 specifies “no person shall be denied the enjoyment of any civil right or military right, nor be discriminated against in the exercise of any civil or military right…”
Article V charges the Governor to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed” and grants him the power to enforce, through proceedings in the courts, “to enforce compliance with any legislative mandate”.  
 
Upon assuming office, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:15-2 the Governor swears to “…faithfully and to the best of [his] knowledge, execute the said office in  conformity with the powers delegated to [him]…promote the peace and prosperity and maintain the lawful rights of the said state…”  In light of recent statements in the media, he is not actually charged with upholding certain documents but is charged with upholding the laws and rights granted under the constitution and established or modified by the legislature.
 
The Governor of New Jersey, in creating and extending his executive orders has cited the New Jersey Civilian Defense and Disaster Control Act.  The following are definitions under the Act:
 

The following words and phrases as used in this act shall have the following meanings:

  1. “Disaster” shall mean any unusual incident resulting from natural or unnatural causes which endangers the health, safety or resources of the residents of one or more municipalities of the State, and which is or may become too large in scope or unusual in type to be handled in its entirety by regular municipal operating services.
  2. “Local disaster emergency” shall mean and include any disaster, or the imminence thereof, resulting from natural or unnatural causes other than enemy attack and limited to the extent that action by the Governor under this act is not required.
  3. “War emergency” shall mean and include any disaster occurring anywhere within the State as the result of enemy attack or the imminent danger thereof.
  4. “Emergency” shall mean and include “disaster” and “war emergency” as above in this section defined. 
None of these seems to be applicable at this time and, if “disaster” was stretched into applicability at the onset of Covid-19, according to the data we are provided, it seems that, at least for the moment, it is inapplicable.

  The Governor has also pointed to the “Emergency Health Powers Act”, enacted by the Legislature in 2005, as giving him the authority to usurp total and unilateral control of the State and all law enforcement bodies therein.  Under the Act, “Public health emergency” means an occurrence or imminent threat of an occurrence that: a. is caused or is reasonably believed to be caused by any of the following: (1) bioterrorism or an accidental release of one or more biological agents; (2) the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated biological agent; (3) a natural disaster; (4) a chemical attack or accidental release of toxic chemicals; or (5) a nuclear attack or nuclear accident; and b. poses a high probability of any of the following harms: (1) a large number of deaths, illness or injury in the affected population; (2) a large number of serious or long-term impairments in the affected population; or (3) exposure to a biological agent or chemical that poses a significant risk of substantial future harm to a large number of people in the affected population. 

 In the event of any of the above, pursuant to paragraph 3(a) “The Governor, in consultation with the commissioner and the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management, may declare a public health emergency. In declaring a public health emergency, the Governor shall issue an order that specifies: (1) the nature of the public health emergency; (2) the geographic area subject to the declaration; (3) the conditions that have brought about the public health emergency to the extent known; and (4) the expected duration of the state of a public health emergency, if less than 30 days. Such order may also prescribe necessary actions or countermeasures to protect the public’s health.”

According to paragraph 3(b) “Any public health emergency declared pursuant to this act shall be terminated automatically after 30 days unless renewed by the Governor under the same standards and procedures set forth in subsection a”, which no longer appears to exist, nor have existed for some appreciable time, according to the definitions set forth within the Act, to the degree necessary to vest the Governor with temporary absolute power under the Act.

Rather than concluding, I choose the readers of this post to decide whether their rights are being illegally usurped or whether they believe that the Governor is justified in exercising absolute control over your lives, for a period of three and one-half months, during which he has continually raised the bar for the recission of his personal absolute power and during which many citizens of the State of New Jersey, for different reasons and in different ways, have been subjectively disenfranchised of their rights pursuant to our Constitution.

Governor Murphy Signs Furlough Legislation into Law

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (A4132) which would modify the State’s shared work program and change eligibility for the State’s unemployment insurance program. Earlier this week the bill was returned to the Legislature with recommended changes necessary to facilitate furloughs in lieu of layoffs. The Legislature today concurred with the Governor’s conditional veto.

“The revisions sent back to the Legislature strengthen this legislation by taking advantage of existing programs to ensure cost savings for the State while still protecting our workforce,” said Governor Murphy.

The recommendations outlined in the conditional veto include eliminating changes to UI law included in the bill, which would shift the cost of covering workers from the federal government to the State. Under the CARES Act, individuals who are not eligible for State unemployment benefits can receive up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits until December 31, 2020, ensuring that they are covered.

The conditional veto also makes other revisions necessary to facilitate the furlough in lieu of layoffs of public employees. These revisions will ensure that pension, health benefits, and civil service rights are maintained during the period of any furlough taken during the State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The revisions also allow schools that are providing virtual instruction to participate in furlough programs. The Murphy Administration has already pursued furlough agreements including last week’s agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

University of Delaware Announces Dean’s List for the Spring 2020

By
Frank L. Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Students have been named to the University of Delaware Dean’s List for the Spring 2020 semester.

Kimberly Begley of Morris Plains
Nicole Caracciolo of East Hanover
Jilliana Carille of East Hanover
Olivia Cashen of Cedar Knolls
Michael Cerri of Parsippany
Noel Chambers of Parsippany
Aidan Chao of Morris Plains
Sara Coppola of Madison
Gianna DeMassi of East Hanover
Marco Diaz of Morris Plains
Ariana DiFilippo of Parsippany
Olivia Duffy of Florham Park
Jenna Ficuciello of Florham Park
Lia Ficuciello of Florham Park
Daniela Galhofo of East Hanover
Lauren Genoese of Florham Park
Emily Gill of Parsippany
Andrew Hicks of Morris Plains
Kelly Hilden of Florham Park
Jessica Iandiorio of Florham Park
Marin Imhoff of Madison
Kayla Johnson of Parsippany
Ruth Kowalski of Parsippany
Sabrina Lepore of Florham Park
Kristina Longo of East Hanover
Robert Lotito of Cedar Knolls
Paul Lozaw of Boonton
Francesca Madera of East Hanover
Kaitlin Michels of Parsippany
Madeline Mocko of Madison
Brittany Monahan of East Hanover
Alexandra Morace of Florham Park
Lindsay O’Hara of Boonton
Christopher Peterson of Madison
Rene Peterson of Florham Park
Kelly Pierson of East Hanover
Samantha Randis of East Hanover
Abhigna Rao of Morris Plains
Cindy Rullo of East Hanover
Sydney Schreck of Madison
Haley Scrivo of East Hanover
Emily Seymour of East Hanover
Connor Shortall of Boonton
Jacqueline Siino of Mountain Lakes
John Sincak of Parsippany
Samantha Traum of Morris Plains
Reagan Tripucka of Boonton
Theodore Vogtman of Morris Plains
Ashley Walsh of Madison
Stephanie Ward of Morris Plains
Michael Willis of Parsippany
Isabella Zangari of East Hanover

To meet eligibility requirements for the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time and earn a GPA of 3.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale) for the semester.

Ongoing Investigation of the Death of Amani Kildea

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Amani Kildea, 20, of Washington Township

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker issue an updated statement on the discovery of a body in Lewis Morris Park in Morristown on Sunday, June 28.

The deceased has been identified as Amani Kildea, 20, of Washington Township. Amani was found an hour away from where he lives.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has continued the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Mr. Kildea since the office was first notified on June 28.

Prosecutor Knapp said “Contrary to the statements made in social media and elsewhere, the investigation remains open and has not concluded. Our initial statement by this office was intended to preliminarily and expeditiously inform the public that we and multiple other law enforcement agencies, including the Morris County Park Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, have been working with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit to investigate the circumstances of Mr. Kildea’s death.”

“As of this time, no evidence of a criminal act has yet been found, however, our efforts to determine what occurred remain very active. We have followed and continue to follow all investigative leads and will go where the evidence takes us.”

“The publication of the Morris County Medical Examiner’s determination as to the manner of Mr. Kildea’s death was disclosed publicly to provide as much transparency on this investigation as possible. However, we cannot disclose all investigative steps we have taken or that we will be pursuing, so as not to compromise our investigation. The Morris County Medical Examiner is a medical doctor who does not work for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Rather, the Office of the Medical Examiner is under the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, which is totally independent of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. We are guided by the Medical Examiner’s findings, however, that does not mean that our investigation has concluded.”

“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to the thorough, appropriate, professional, and prompt investigation of any suspicious and/or unnatural deaths. There will be no further comment on this investigation at this time out of respect for Mr. Kildea’s family.”

If anyone has any information they wish to provide concerning this matter, please call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (973) 285-6200.

A formal statement will be issued when our investigation has concluded.

It has been reported that Amani Kildea’s family adopted him in 2005 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From the age of five, he resided in Washington Township. Amani graduated from the Army Reserves Basic Training in February 2020 and was to become a Military Policeman. He planned to further his education at James Madison University in the fall of 2020. Amani will be remembered as a “beautiful young man” with a sensitive soul, an endearing sense of humor, and a daring and courageous character.

Amani planned to finish his education and work in special operations for the FBI or CIA. Despite being only 20-years-old, he did not wait to pursue his dream of serving the community and began setting up sting operations to find and expose pedophiles in New Jersey with his friends, akin to the show “To Catch A Predator.” Through this work, they have exposed at least 30 pedophiles in Morris County and other surrounding areas. This work has led to multiple arrests.

In Honor of July 4 Flags Return to Full Staff

By
Frank L. Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be returned to full staff on Friday, July 3, having been at half-staff since Friday, April 3, in recognition and mourning of all those who have lost their lives and been affected by COVID-19. The flags will return to full staff as a symbol of New Jersey’s recovery and continued resolve.

“As a result of the hard sacrifices made by all New Jerseyans, we have made immense progress in the fight against COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “As we approach Independence Day, it is the appropriate time to recognize the resilience of the people of our state and our country, and remind us all that much like other difficult periods in our history, we will eventually make it through.”

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 160 read:

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread around the globe, with some reports indicating that there are now over 10,357,000 cases of COVID-19 worldwide and over 2,624,000 cases in the United States; and

WHEREAS, New Jersey has been particularly hard-hit by COVID-19, with over 171,000 residents testing positive for COVID-19 and at least 13,224 of our fellow New Jerseyans losing their lives; and

WHEREAS, these individuals were family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, and include healthcare workers, first responders, and others who gave their lives working bravely and tirelessly on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, each and every life lost to COVID-19 is a profound tragedy for us all; and

WHEREAS, at the beginning of this pandemic, social gatherings were prohibited to prevent further spread of the virus and loss of life, which prevented funerals and memorial services from going forward in the manner that they would under normal circumstances; and

WHEREAS, as a gesture of our collective mourning, I signed Executive Order No. 114 on April 3, 2020, which lowered flags to half-staff indefinitely as a reminder of the awful human toll that this pandemic has inflicted upon this State, our nation, and the world; and

WHEREAS, the number of New Jersey residents who have died from COVID-19 is now greater than the number of New Jersey residents who died in World War II, which was the deadliest armed conflict in the history of our State and nation; and

WHEREAS, despite this unfathomable loss of life, because of the enormous progress that we have made in the fight against COVID-19, we have been able to raise the limits on gatherings considerably,
2 which has allowed many funerals and memorial services to go forward; and

WHEREAS, as of July 3, 2020, our flags will have been lowered for exactly three months, an unprecedented gesture of mourning for an unprecedented tragedy in the history of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, while we continue to mourn all those who have lost their lives and keep their families in our thoughts and prayers, raising the flags at this time can serve as a symbol of our recovery and continued resolve, and will allow our flags to fly at full staff for Independence Day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall fly at full staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities, starting on Friday, July 3, 2020.
2. As of Friday, July 3, 2020, Executive Order No. 114 (2020) is no longer in effect.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 2nd day of July, Two Thousand and Twenty, and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Forty-Fourth.

Philip D. Murphy, Governor

Retired Parsippany Police Detective George Kloss passed away

By
Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Detective George Kloss

PARSIPPANY — George Kloss, retired Parsippany Police Department Detective has passed away on June 24 after a sixteen month battle with cancer.

There will be live-streaming his funeral service from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Florida on Tuesday, July 7 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Tune in to help celebrate the life of honor, courage, and dedication!

Click here to join the live stream.

George V. Kloss, 75, passed away on June 24, 2020, in his home in New Port Richey, Florida after a courageous battle with cancer. The fifth of eight children, his fondest childhood memories were of fishing on Mirror Pond in Lake Parsippany.

As a young adult, George sharpened his leadership skills as a manager of two Sip & Sup restaurants.

This is where he met Nancy and began their lifelong love story, which ended too soon with just over 52 years of marriage.

As an Army Veteran, he honorably served as a Military Policeman. He continued to proudly protect and serve on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and concluded his 25 years as a Detective Sergeant.

George is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, his three children, Kimberly, and husband Steve Mitchell, George Kloss, Jr. and wife Pamela, and Brian Kloss. He is also survived by his grandson, David Croft; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in New Port Richey, FL on Tuesday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held at a date to be determined at his final resting place in Harrisville, WV at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

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Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.

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