PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Council President Michael dePierro and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. stopped by Jeremiah’s Catering and Cooking Studio, on Saturday, March 28, to purchase food for Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue and Recovery. Parsippany’s first responders have been working hard to keep our residents safe.
“We appreciate our volunteers and wanted to show our appreciation, at the same time supporting our local businesses,” said Council President Michael dePierro.
Dear Editor:
Plastic Bag Ban: Ordinance 2019:33 being ignored by Foodtown, Lake Hiawatha. Last week noticed a bootleg cardboard sign: Telling customers not to bring their reusable bags to Foodtown because of the Coronavirus.
Foodtown Management has arbitrarily decided to ignore the anti-plastic bag ban. This imprudent decision, undermines the municipal ordinance, and makes no scientific sense. Reason as explained was: “the bag comes from home and bringing it to the premises may spread the virus”.. How ridiculous; as the clothes we wear, as we ourselves come from home; or wherever.
The plastic bag ordinance should be defended not undermined; and this leads to continued public disrespect for attempted anti- pollution/litter phenomena due to senseless plastic production. No other Supermarkets have this policy. We must realize their is a corporate lobby promoting plastics despite the obvious pollution magnitude. Now latex gloves have accelerated in the litter stream, people removing them from their hands and simply tossing them wherever, inexcusable!
PARSIPPANY — Due Governor Murphy’s order issued on Saturday, March 21 all golf courses in the State of New Jersey have been closed.THE CLOSING OF ALL OF OUR FACILITIES IS NOT OPTIONAL.
Please stop sending me requests asking to use the facilities for whatever reason and if you are one of the few who are sneaking on to play a few holes. PLEASE STOP IT!
You are putting us in a most difficult position. The staff here has worked long and hard all winter to get The Knoll turned around and ready for a great golfing experience. We hope to be launching our new website and tee sheet app next week. The maintenance crew is out there and continuing to work hard to make The Knoll the best public golf experience in New Jersey.
When the ban is lifted we intend to be ready to go.
Today we have placed signs on every tee box indicating that we are closed. The Parsippany Police Department will be doing regular patrols and handing out trespassing tickets to violators. We believe that our first responders have better things to do than police golfers.
So please stop putting the employees of the Knoll, the police and the Township in general in the awkward position of saying no, asking you to leave or giving you a ticket.
Stay home, stay safe and most of all stay healthy for the good of everyone.
PARSIPPANY — The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of New Jersey’s Personal Injury Attorney James C. DeZao, Esq. as 2020 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction.
The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Personal Injury attorneys in each state.
Attorneys who are selected to the “10 Best” list must pass AIOPIA’s rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and AIOPIA’s independent evaluation. AIOPIA’s annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.
One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys’ relationships and reputation among his or her clients. As clients should be an attorney’s top priority, AIOPIA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Personal Injury law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction.
Attorney James C. DeZao has a wife and four children. The Parsippany injury attorney enjoys boating, fishing, scuba diving, and camping. He is a very hard working individual and prides himself on helping others and their families. When he can’t be found on the water with his family, Mr. DeZao can be found studying the changes in the law and fighting for the rights of his clients.
Mr. DeZao is dedicated to building a family atmosphere at the Law Offices of James C. DeZao. He wants everyone who walks through the door to feel like family. He takes pride in representing clients in their time of need, helping them protect their rights and recover compensation when injured in any type of accident.
You can contact James C. DeZao, Esq. directly at (973) 808-8900.
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 37 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus.
The Township is committed to being as transparent as possible with these cases and relaying as much information to the community as we can, while complying with privacy laws. The Township remains in constant contact with state and county partners, and will release additional information as it is provided.
To help combat the spread of this virus, please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face. If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately.
The State of New Jersey has set up a comprehensive website covering many questions you may have regarding COVID-19, as well as a telephone hotline. For more information, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.
PARSIPPANY — The Knoll Country Club/Golf Course is open for passive recreation only.
Parsippany Police Department has received numerous complaints regarding people playing golf on the Knoll Country Club property while the course is closed.
This is creating a dangerous situation were errant golf balls could strike and seriously injure someone who is using the property for passive recreation, such as walking.
If you are found golfing on the property you will be removed and may face criminal charges. Police patrols have been increased in the area.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton announced that the closure of all New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency, road testing, and inspections facilities will be extended through April 12, as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Chief Fulton says other Commission operations are continuing, through online submissions from customers as well as other functions, including those that support commercial trucking critical to keeping the supply chain moving during the COVID-19 health crisis.
However, Chief Fulton said, other operations, such as agency and road testing, bring people into closer proximity to each other than is recommended under public health guidelines.
“We cannot have crowds like the ones that are drawn to our agencies during a pandemic,” Chief Fulton said. “The health of our employees and our customers takes priority.”
“Fortunately, we have expanded our online capabilities over the past year and many of our customers can get their business taken care of that way,” Chief Fulton said. “In most cases you can renew your license, replace a lost license, change your address, renew your registration and other transactions through our easy-to-use online portal.”
Chief Fulton also noted that the federal REAL ID requirement has been extended for another year, until October, 2021, so customers should not feel any pressure in that regard.
“The safety of our citizens is paramount and we will use every means at our disposal to ensure they are protected,’’ Chief Fulton said.
Working with Governor Murphy, Chief Fulton ordered the initial closure from March 17 through March 30. With the threat from COVID-19 continuing and New Jersey having the second-most cases in the United States, it was determined to continue the closures through at least April 12.
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, sending the bipartisan legislation that provides immediate relief to New Jerseyans to the President’s desk for his signature.
“New Jersey needs immediate help in our fight against COVID-19,” said Representative Sherrill. “We worked to get aid to our doctors, nurses, families, workers, small businesses, and local municipalities grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. I hear every day from residents who are struggling to cope with the economic consequences of this crisis. On my daily calls with our local hospitals and medical providers, I hear about the universal, urgent need for personal protective equipment and ventilators. This relief is essential, and it is critical.
“There are areas of this bill that fall far short of what is needed. And there is more work to do. I will continue fighting to help New Jersey, and our residents who are on the frontlines of this pandemic.”
New Jersey has the second highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, and in the last 24 hours, the positive cases increased by more than half. Representative Sherrill fought for provisions in the bill that directly impact New Jersey’s ability to address the COVID-19 epidemic and help New Jersey workers, healthcare providers, and small businesses:
$150 billion for state and local governments to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, including an estimated $3.44 billion for New Jersey;
Approximately $200 billion for hospitals, health providers, and health research, including expanding funding for the personal protective equipment (PPE) desperately needed including ventilators, N95 masks, gowns, and gloves;
$750 million in Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state, local, and tribal grants to help agencies cope with the public health emergency, including an estimated minimum award of $15 million for New Jersey. States can apply for additional funds above the minimum award, based on need;
$260 billion in expanded unemployment benefits, including an additional $600 per week for the next four months, providing an additional 13 weeks of federally funded benefits, and expanding eligibility to include workers in the gig economy and self-employed workers;
Provides immediate, direct cash payments to lower and middle-income New Jerseyans, $1,200 for each adult and $500 for each child, beginning to phase out at an annual income of $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for a household;
More than $375 billion in small business relief, including $349 billion for forgivable loans to small businesses to pay their employees and keep them on payroll; $17 billion for debt relief for current and new SBA borrowers; and $10 billion in immediate disaster grants;
$25 billion in aid for transit systems, including an estimated $1.25 billion for New Jersey Transit;
Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills, including an estimated $12.4 million for New Jersey;
$16 billion to replenish the Strategic National Stockpile;
$1 billion for the Defense Production Act to bolster domestic supply chains;
$100 million for Firefighter grants to provide PPE, supplies, and reimbursements;
$260 million in funds for the USNS Comfort and the USNS Mercy, U.S. Navy hospital ships;
$1.5 billion to support National Guard Title 32 operations, which move them to state active duty in times of domestic crisis.
MORRIS COUNTY — As New Jersey continues under a state of emergency due to the coronavirus, please know that my district office remains available to serve constituents by phone and email. Included below are links to information that you may find helpful, along with important state and national news updates related to COVID-19.
New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub includes valuable resources and information for families, workers, and employers who have questions or needs arising from the current crisis.
Need work? Visit the State’s Jobs and Hiring Portal to connect with employers hiring today.
Important State News:
New Jersey saw its largest daily increase in positive cases of COVID-19 reported yesterday, with 2,492 new cases and a total of 6,876 cases. There have been 81 deaths since the start of the coronavirus crisis, including 19 fatalities reported at yesterday’s briefing.
The State has launched a new website for organizations to report and donate inventories of personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, and healthcare equipment, including ventilators and respirators.
PARSIPPANY — Pet Valu, a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats and supplies, takes classification as an essential retailer seriously and is committed to being open for devoted pet lover customers. To support this mission, Pet Valu has announced temporary changes to store operations to limit the physical interactions between associates and customers, as well as ensure the continued safe operation of all stores.
Pet Valu is located at 3053 Route 46 East, Morris Hills Shopping Center, Parsippany. They can be reached by calling (973) 794-3545.
To ensure the community’s safety, Pet Valu stores have implemented the following:
Limiting the number of customers that can enter the store at any time to two (for safe social distancing).
Call-ahead ordering for customers is now available. Customers can call their store to place their order by phone, and it will be ready for pick-up.
Updating hours of operation to 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to allow associates time to re-stock and sanitize stores (store hours may vary, so customers should call their local store for more information).
Currently not accepting returns and extending the return policy period. Customers as being asked to keep the item(s) intended for return and associated receipt(s) until further notice.
All customers are asked to have a list or photos of supplies ready, so that associates can help retrieve products. Customers will be directed to wait at the sanitized checkout counter to complete all in-store transactions (using debit or credit is preferred at checkout, whenever possible).
Temporarily closing all self-serve dog wash stations and grooming salons.
Cancelling all local events and postponing the annual April charitable event, Pet Appreciation Month and National Adoption Weekend, supporting local animal shelters and rescues.
In addition to these store updates, home delivery is available through Pet Valu’s sister company,Pet Supermarket. Brands including Performatrin, Performatrin Ultra, Fresh 4 Life, Head to Tail and others are available for delivery. Additionally, customers can still earn Pet Points Plus rewards with purchases made on PetSupermarket.com and are asked to save receipts and confirmation emails for future credits to accounts.
“We believe taking these actions offer the best solutions for balancing our three main priorities: safety of our associates and devoted pet lover customers, servicing the essential needs of pets and maintaining a clean and sanitized work environment,” stated Richard Maltsbarger, president and CEO of Pet Valu. “I want to thank all of our associates and customers for working together through this difficult time to find the best ways possible to continue to care for the pets we all love.”
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Andrew Miller announce the sentencing of Samuel J. Rozynski, Sparta, following a long-term drug investigation in Morris, Sussex, and Bergen counties. (Click here for related article)
On March 2, Rozynski entered a guilty plea to one count of first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, one count of first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, one count of Second Degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity (Money Laundering), and one count of Second Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. Rozynski also forfeited his interest in $329,000 seized in connection with his arrest, which were proceeds from narcotics sales.
On Friday, March 27, the Honorable David H. Ironson, J.S.C. sentenced Rozynski to five years in New Jersey State Prison with 24 months of parole ineligibility on the Possession With Intent to Distribute Count, and three concurrent terms of five years in prison on the remaining counts.
This investigation culminated with Rozynski’s arrest on January 29, when law enforcement officers from multiple agencies executed three search warrants in Parsippany, Sparta, and Cliffside Park. As a result, approximately 350 grams of cocaine, thirty-seven pounds of marijuana, numerous firearms, and over $300,000 in suspected drug distribution proceeds were seized by law enforcement.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Detective Daniel Cicala was the lead investigator. Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan represented the State at sentencing.
Prosecutor Knapp said “The cooperation of all agencies involved in this investigation and prosecution has been consistently of the highest magnitude. We greatly appreciate the dedication of our law enforcement partners continuing our efforts to reduce the supply of illicit drugs.”
Prosecutor Knapp, Acting Chief Kimker, and Chief Miller would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to this long-term investigation: Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Hopatcong Police Department, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Cliffside Park Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New Jersey State Police.
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy today announced a new state website for reporting personal protective equipment (PPE).
In accordance with Executive Order No. 109, any business, non-hospital health care facility, or institution of higher learning in possession of PPE, ventilators, respirators, or anesthesia machines must submit that information to the State by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. The website created today also gives these entities the ability to donate PPE.
“We have a critical need in New Jersey for personal protective equipment,” said Governor Murphy. “Our hospitals, health care workers, and first responders on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 can only be successful with access to these essential supplies.”
To submit information related to PPE, please click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman and Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro, Esq. facing state bribery charges, rejected a pre-indictment offer on Wednesday that would have carried jail time in exchange for guilty pleas, according to MorristownGreen.com.
State prosecutors placed his offer on the record with Superior Court Judge Stephen Taylor, in a proceeding conducted via video- and phone conference. The Morris County Courthouse is closed to the public this week because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cesaro was offered five years, with two years of parole ineligibility.
Additionally he would have forfeited the alleged bribe monies, paid anti-corruption penalties, and been barred permanently from public office or public employment, said Peter Aseltine, a spokesman for Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.
Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal
In December, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that five current and former public officials and political candidates – including Parsippany Attorney John Cesaro – have been charged with taking bribes in a major investigation of political corruption in Hudson and Morris counties conducted by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
Cesaro, who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct was also charged with second-degree acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by a public servant for official behavior.
Cesaro, who was a sitting county freeholder at the time of the alleged criminal conduct, solicited contributions from the cooperating witness for his 2021 campaign for Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. Cesaro allegedly accepted bribes from a cooperating witness, Morristown Attorney Matt O’Donnell, in return for which he promised to secure more tax work from Morris County for the cooperating witness and make him tax counsel for Parsippany-Troy Hills if elected.
Cesaro allegedly accepted an envelope containing $10,000 in cash and $2,350 in checks from the cooperating witness, but later returned the cash, asking the cooperating witness to replace it with checks. The two allegedly discussed using “straw donors.” Under New Jersey election law, it is illegal for a person to provide money to another person, known as a “straw donor,” to make a political contribution to a specific candidate. At a later fundraiser, Cesaro accepted two checks for $2,600 each – the individual limit for contributions per election per candidate – which the cooperating witness described as “my straws,” along with another check for $150.
Attorney General Grewal created the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability in September 2018 to combat corruption and strengthen public confidence in government institutions. Earlier this month, the Attorney General issued a directive codifying OPIA and making it a permanent part of the Attorney General’s Office. That directive established the OPIA Corruption Bureau as the lead office within the Department of Law & Public Safety for the investigation and prosecution of state criminal violations involving corruption and abuse of public trust.
Cesaro is represented by Robert Dunn, Esq. The judge scheduled a follow-up review for June 11.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Chick-fil-A, located at 1711 Route 10 East, Morris Plains, is currently holding a canned food drive at the store to support our local food pantries.
They are asking guests to bring canned food items to the store in exchange for a free Original Chick-fil-A Chicken sandwich coupon.
One sandwich per guest, not per item donated. They are collecting at the front door and in the drive-thru at our cash cart.
They will be donating the food to Parsippany Food Pantry and Interfaith Food Pantry.
Employee of Chick-fil-A collecting food donations from customersEmployee of Chick-fil-A collecting food donations from customers
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Park Police Department is reporting a substantially increased use of many general purpose parks and trails of the Morris County Park Commission. In response to Governor Murphy Executive Orders’ #102 to #108 to combat the COVID-19 global pandemic in New Jersey, park patrons are asked to visit the Morris County Park Commission website by clicking here as many locations have temporarily closed and/or amended operational hours in accordance with current state and county orders.
Patrons who frequent a property of the Morris County Park Commission should follow proper universal precautions as it pertains to hiking, running, biking, etc. This includes having a charged cellphone, water, and letting others know where you will be and when you should return. People should realize their own physical abilities and know the difficulty level of the area they are accessing. For all emergencies, they can call 9-1-1 or for non-emergent assistance, they should call (973) 326-7654.
Part of the increased use of Morris County Park Commission properties has resulted in many violations of the Morris County Park Commission’s Rules and Regulations, especially as it pertains to the parking of vehicles, dogs off-leash, and entering and/or remaining in a county park during closing hours. Vehicles should only be parked in designated spots inside park property and not on surrounding streets; dogs need to be kept on a leash no longer than six-feet long; and all persons must vacate the property by closing time, which is generally sunset, but may vary by property. The Rules and Regulations of the Morris County Park Commission should be posted in directories in each property and can also be found at the website by clicking here.
“We understand the public’s want and need to frequent one of our locations during these unprecedented and unfortunate times, but I must direct all persons to obey the rules and regulations of the Morris County Park Commission,” said Chief Gabe DiPietro. “Increased and continuing violations will result in increased enforcement and summonses may be issued.”
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 32 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus.
The Township is committed to being as transparent as possible with these cases and relaying as much information to the community as we can, while complying with privacy laws. The Township remains in constant contact with state and county partners, and will release additional information as it is provided.
To help combat the spread of this virus, please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face.
If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately. The State of New Jersey has set up a comprehensive website covering many questions you may have regarding COVID-19, as well as a telephone hotline. For more information, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.
PARSIPPANY — During these times of everyone being quarantined in their homes, reading negative news, there is someone who is spreading smiles throughout the Lake Parsippany area (and beyond). A quick drive around the lake, including the first location, my own house, the “Balloon Fairy” is hanging balloons on lamp posts, mailboxes and other locations, bringing a smile to the faces of local residents.
Thank you Ms. Balloon Fairy! You brought a smile to my face:
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Food Pantry needs food donations. There will be a drop off box on Friday, March 27 from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. at the Parsippany PAL Building, 33 Baldwin Road.
Drop your donation in the van outside the front door. No need to go inside the building.
Please maintain social distancing during your visit.
If you are out shopping, please consider adding a couple of these items to your list for those in need.
In no particular order, all non perishable.
Breakfast items: Boxes of cereal or breakfast bars
Canned food: tuna, chicken
Canned meats, Chef Boyardee
Canned soups
Canned fruits
Canned or boxed juices
Pasta sauce
Pasta
Toilet paper
Questions? Please text Rich at (732) 371-3803 or text Jeff at (973) 476-6935.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has been informed of two additional residents who have presumptively tested positive for COVID-19:
• A 28-year-old female.
• A 60-year-old male.
The number of presumptive positive cases in Parsippany-Troy Hills stands at 16 individuals, two of whom have since died from the virus. The Township is committed to being as transparent as possible with these cases and relaying as much information to the community as we can, while complying with privacy laws.
The Township remains in constant contact with state and county partners, and will release additional information as it is provided. To help combat the spread of this virus, please remember to continue the best practices of social distancing, washing your hands as often as possible, disinfecting any surfaces you may touch, and avoid touching your face.
If you exhibit any symptoms of illness, please remember to consult your personal doctor immediately. The State of New Jersey has set up a comprehensive website covering many questions you may have regarding COVID-19, as well as a telephone hotline. For more information, please visit www.covid19.nj.gov or call 211.
PARSIPPANY — Representatives Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Tom Malinowski (NJ-07) announced today that Zufall Health Center will receive an additional $118,000 in funding to help address the COVID-19 outbreak in New Jersey from the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020. Representatives Sherrill and Malinowski supported a provision in the legislation to support community health centers across the country. Zufall will be able to use this funding to address screening and testing needs, acquire medical supplies, and boost telehealth capacity in response to COVID-19.
“Our community health centers are on the front lines of providing care in New Jersey,” said Representative Sherrill. “During my visit to Zufall’s Morristown location last year, I saw the critical role they play as a provider for the most vulnerable members of our community. With the COVID-19 outbreak, they are going to be providing services well above and beyond what we normally ask them to do. While this additional funding Congress provided is a great start, I know that more needs to be done to support our local community health centers that are the first point of contact for so many of our residents. I am currently on the phone every day with Zufall, along with other health care providers in our district, and am here to support their incredible work in any way I can.”
“I have seen firsthand the critically important care that Zufall provides to our community,” said Representative Malinowski. “This funding is a good first step in getting them the necessary resources to continue their work serving our most vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but I know it is not enough. I will keep fighting in Congress to ensure that they have the support they need as this crisis grows.”
“We are extremely grateful that the federal government has recognized the role that community health centers are playing in our current crisis and for the distribution of these additional funds,” said Eva Turbiner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zufall Health Center. “Clearly the critical health and financial circumstances we see now will be on-going and we remain committed to serving the needs of our community. We are already hearing from people who have lost benefits due to job layoffs. As we saw during the financial crisis in 2008, the demand for high quality affordable health services will increase after the initial phase of this public health crisis. Community health centers will need long-term funding to be able to meet the increased demand for our services.”
Zufall is a Federally Qualified Health Center with eight locations throughout New Jersey that served 40,000 patients in 2019. Zufall helps serve vulnerable populations in New Jersey: Ninety percent of their patients have incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and roughly half of their patients are uninsured, while the other half rely on Medicaid or Medicare.