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County College of Morris Offers Financial Aid Workshops

Frank L. Cahill
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County College of Morris Offers Financial Aid Workshops

MORRIS COUNTY — Applying for Financial Aid can seem overwhelming, but it makes good sense to find out what may be available to fulfill your goal to obtain a higher education. The Financial Aid Office at County College of Morris (CCM) will be holding workshops for students to assist them in submitting the 2020-21 or the 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application or the New Jersey Alternative Application for New Jersey Dreamers.

A special Saturday session will be held on Saturday, January 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on the CCM campus, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, in Henderson Hall, Room 114. Registration is required and due to limited seating, only one guest, along with the applicant, may attend the workshop.

CCM financial aid advisors also will be available to meet with individuals at the CCM Financial Aid Office located at the Student Community Center , Room 210 from January 21, through January 31, Monday and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  Registration is required. FAFSA or the New Jersey Alternative Application for New Jersey Dreamers is required of all students who plan to utilize financial aid to help them meet their educational expenses.

To attend the special Financial Aid Workshop on January 18 or to register for an individual appointment click here.

CCM  is now offering the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG), a tuition assistance program to students. The CCOG may cover the full cost of tuition and approved educational fees for 6-18 credits after all federal, state, institutional and community aid have been applied.

To qualify, students need to have a family adjusted gross income of no more than $65,000, not already have an associate or bachelor’s degree, be registered for 6–18 credits, and have completed the FAFSA or if a New Jersey Dreamer the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.

The first step to qualify for tuition-free funding is to apply to CCM, which can be done byc clicking here. Then fill out the FAFSA by clicking here  or if a New Jersey Dreamer the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application by clicking here. The deadline to apply for the FAFSA is February 15, 2020.

CCOG is not just for traditional students. Those in the workforce who would like to earn or complete their college degree also may quality.

For more information click here.

Ignazia “Ceil” Cerbo, 86, passed away

Frank L. Cahill
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Ignazia “Ceil” Cerbo, 86, passed away

PARSIPPANY — Ignazia “Ceil” Cerbo,  86, went to eternal rest on Friday, January 10, surrounded by her loving family.

Ceil was born and raised in Boonton and moved to Parsippany in 1954 when she married the love of her life, Anthony Cerbo, Jr., on Valentine’s Day.

Ceil was the extremely proud Co-owner of Cerbo’s Garden Center in Parsippany. She was also a homemaker dedicating her life to taking care of her beloved children, grandchildren and the many others who lovingly called her “Mom”.

She is predeceased by her late husband Anthony “Tony” Jr., her parents, Vincent and Domenica Avallone, and her sister, Mary Vermont.

Survivors include her sons Anthony III and his wife, Sandra, and Joseph R. and his wife, Stacey, her daughters: Cynthia Cooper and her husband Patrick, and Judith McMahon and her husband, Arthur; her twelve grandchildren: Tara Weiss, Patrick and Vinnie Cooper, Heather Lubchansky, Arthur and Bryan McMahon, Anthony IV, Tyler, Jeremy, Joseph, Matthew, and Michael Cerbo, her ten great-grandchildren Jacob, John, Simon, Makayla, Finnegan, Alice, Madison, Patrick, Kaitlyn, and Ryan; also her brother  Stephen Avallone, and her sister Concetta Vita.

Before starting her family Ceil worked as a secretary for E.F. Drew in Boonton. She became a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District #6 in support of her husband and all the dedicated fireman in her town. Ceil became a CCD teacher and Principal of the St. Catherine of Siena religious education in Mountain Lakes. She was a member of the Parsippany School system PTA program and also of the Parsippany Hills High School Vikings Booster Football Club where she joyously served pancakes to the team members before many home football games.

Ceil’s real joy and specialties were found in her home kitchen where she enjoyed bringing family, friends, priest and sisters, together for great meals, holiday cooking, picnics for no less than 50 people, and celebrations. She enjoyed her daily lunches with her special “crew” from her garden center. There was always food on the table at noon for whoever wanted to eat.

Relatives and Friends are invited to attend her Funeral on Wednesday, January 15, at 9:00 a.m. from the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road. Call (973) 887-3235 or click here. With her Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes. Interment: St. Mary’s Cemetery, Boonton. Visiting hours are on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Par-Troy Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 300 Memphis, TN 38148.

Breaking News: Car Plunges in Lake Parsippany

Frank L. Cahill
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Breaking News: Car Plunges in Lake Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 11 a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas carrying one adult and two children plunged in Lake Parsippany near Alpine Road.

According to witnesses at the scene three Lake Hiawatha residents heard the crash and ran to the vehicle. There they rescued all three occupants, a female driver, a baby and a young child. All three occupants were safe and didn’t require medical attention.

After an initial investigation by Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman. D. Ross determined that the vehicle was traveling East on Lake Shore Drive and drove off the roadway due to the driver attempting to adjust the vehicles GPS. The driver was issued a ticket for careless driving.

Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene and released.

Powdermill Towing removed the vehicle from the lake and towed the vehicle away.

Complete details will be released as they become available.

The vehicle was lifted out of the lake by Powdermill Towing. Photo ©2020 Zoomus Marketing
The vehicle was lifted out of the lake by Powdermill Towing. Photo ©2020 Zoomus Marketing
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department analysing the situation. Photo © 2020 Zoomus Marketing

 

Wrong-Way DWI Driver Charged In Route 80 Triple Fatal Crash

Frank L. Cahill
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Wrong-Way DWI Driver Charged In Route 80 Triple Fatal Crash

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick J. Callahan announce that Miguel Botero, 28, Dumont, has been charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash took the lives of three individuals. The crash occurred on Route 80 on October 18, 2019.

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It is alleged that Botero was the driver of a motor vehicle involved in a multi-vehicle motor vehicle crash that occurred in the area of mile post 45.2 on Route 80 Eastbound.

It is alleged that Botero was operating his vehicle against the direction of travel at the time of the crash. It is further alleged that Botero was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. The driver, Ronald Francois, 28, of Newark, and two passengers died as a result of the crash. The passengers were identified as Julia Wells and Jalen Davis, a pair of friends pursuing careers in cosmetology and music.

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Botero has been charged with three counts of reckless vehicular homicide, crimes of the second degree, in connection with the incident. He remains in custody pending a court appearance.

Members of the New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit contributed to this investigation.

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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.

Religious Leaders From Across Morris County Join Freeholders, Sheriff, Prosecutor, And Attorney General In Unity Rally

Frank L. Cahill
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Religious Leaders From Across Morris County Join Freeholders, Sheriff, Prosecutor, And Attorney General In Unity Rally

MORRIS COUNTY — More than 350 Morris  County residents participated in a “Community Rally Against Hate,” joining together with the Morris County Board of Freeholders, Morris County Sheriff and Prosecutor, the state Attorney General and religious leaders from across Morris County in a special forum held at the Gottesman RTW Academy in Randolph, on Thursday, January 9.

The crowd, clergy and political and law enforcement officials stood united against the hatred and bigotry that recently has targeted the Jewish community and other faiths in our state and nation.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon

Emceed by Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the event featured a wide array of messages from a leaders from across the state and region, including New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Freeholder Director Deborah Smith and Freeholder John Krickus, and Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp

Attorney General Grewal addresses the unity Rally, and Sheriff Gannon looks on

Video messages were sent by Rep. Mikie Sherrill and state Sen. Anthony Bucco, who were in legislative sessions in Washington and Trenton on Thursday, January 9.

It also included the following religious leaders: Rabbi Levi Dubinsky of the Chabad Center of Mountain Lakes, Boonton, and Denville; Basel Hamdeh of Jam-e-Masjid Islamic Center, Boonton; Rev. Herman Scott of Calvary Baptist Church, Morristown;  Chandu Bhoraniya, devotee of B.A.P.S. Swaminarayan Mandir, Parsippany; Rabbi Mendy Herson, Rabbinical College of America, Morristown; and Moshe Vaknon, Head of School, Gottesman RTW Academy, Randolph.

Rabbi Levi Dubinsky of the Chabad of Mountain Lakes, Boonton, and Denville

Students from the Gottesman RTW Academy offered songs during the event, including the Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah. Along with Moshe Vaknin, they led a closing song that featured clergy and community leaders singing, hand-in-hand and arm-in-arm.

Freeholder Director Deborah Smith addresses the Unity Rally

Freeholder Director Smith made the following statement: “On behalf of the entire Morris County Board of Freeholders, I thank you and welcome you for being here at this important event. We are dealing with a wave of anti-Semitism and hate-crime attacks against religious institutions across our nation.

“The attack in Jersey City. The horrible event in Monsey, N.Y. The shooting at a Christian church in Texas. And so many more. Even here in Morris County, a Menorah recently was vandalized in a public space in Mendham.

“As a community, we cannot accept this behavior. I can tell you as a leader of county government, and a woman of the Jewish faith, that here in Morris County that we will not ignore it. We will not hide from it. We must confront it. And we will.

“All of our residents must be able to live their lives in our county, state and nation without fear of being harassed or persecuted for their personal and religious beliefs. That is a basic tenet of our democracy. Nothing is more sacred in America.

“So today, we stand as a countywide community in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors and other religions, and we reject hate with one clear voice from all of the people of Morris County.

In the wake of recent attacks, the freeholders reached out to county law enforcement and religious leaders to explore a possible county response, and are asking members of faith-based communities across the county and the general public to join in standing up against hatred, violence and bigotry.

A group of Morris County residents listen to the speakers

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – 01-07-2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Agenda Meeting – 01-07-2020

Click here to download the agenda.

Pennacchio: Governor Veto of Greenwood Lake Funding Contradicts Previous Commitment

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio: Governor Veto of Greenwood Lake Funding Contradicts Previous Commitment

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio was dismayed by Governor Murphy’s absolute veto of legislation to maintain the lake and ensure clean water in Greenwood Lake.

“Trenton has failed the residents of West Milford and Passaic County, and the three millions residents and thousands of businesses that depend on Greenwood Lake for drinking water,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The Administration abandoned one of our most popular and scenic waterways as a priority while they continually push their own liberal priorities. The veto is very disappointing to the residents of New Jersey.”

The bipartisan legislation (S-2167) received unanimous support from the Legislature, passing the Senate with a 40-0 vote in June 2018, and the Assembly with a 73-0 plurality in November.

“The Governor owns this rejection. His message is ‘the State of New Jersey owns the lake, West Milford you pay for its maintenance,’” Pennacchio added.

The measure sponsored by Pennacchio and vetoed today would commit $500,000 annually to the “New Jersey Greenwood Lake Fund.” The funding would be dedicated from existing New Jersey boat registration and renewal fees from the “Maritime Industry Fund.”

“State officials visited Lake Hopatcong, where the lake was threatened by the same issues we have at Greenwood. The Governor was given first-hand knowledge of the challenges our lakes face. The issues of maintenance are recurrent ones. Demanding clean water from these lakes and refusing to fund their own waterways is disingenuous and simply not right.”

Reckitt Benckiser Renews 187,500 Square Feet Lease at LATITUDE

Frank L. Cahill
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Reckitt Benckiser Renews 187,500 Square Feet Lease at LATITUDE

PARSIPPANY — A joint venture partnership between affiliates of Vision Real Estate Partners and Rubenstein Partners, L.P. announced that Reckitt Benckiser Group, a multinational consumer goods company, has expanded and extended a new 187,500-square-foot, long-term lease at LATITUDE. The owners recently transformed the 700,000-square-foot campus into a next-generation, holistic workplace with an East Coast to West Coast design theme that features collaborative spaces inspired by cities from across the U.S.

Since acquiring the 35-acre, two-building campus, Vision and Rubenstein have set out to distinguish LATITUDE through the creation of a unique, hospitality-inspired environment featuring lifestyle experiences and state-of-the-art office space designed to meet employees’ work-life cycle.

“Work and life do not exist separately from one another, and our approach to redevelopment at LATITUDE is reflective of the growing preference for workplaces that mirror professionals’ dynamic lifestyles,” said Sam Morreale, founding and managing partner of Vision Real Estate Partners. “We are not just adding amenities – we are delivering a unique office experience that is setting a new standard for suburban office environments.”

LATITUDE features two, five-story symmetrical wings comprised of offices, meeting spaces, and lifestyle services and experiences. Both wings are connected through a central glass atrium that features common areas, multiple dining options, fitness centers and city-themed spaces for collaboration. As employees travel from one end of the property to the other, they transition through “time zones” punctuated by artistic and design elements, as well as cuisine options with a distinct East Coast to West Coast flavor. The campus provides flexibility, productivity benefits and an environment mostly only seen in bespoke, single-tenant build-out campuses.

“We continue to see opportunity in rethinking well-located Class A suburban offices,” said Stephen Card, Director of Investments and Principal at Rubenstein. “Through thoughtful redesign and amenity programming, we are making desirable places for the suburban workforce and we continue to add value to our properties along with our partners.”

LATITUDE is centrally located in Morris County among a community of top corporate neighbors with direct access to retail and services. The property is located within 0.75 miles of Exit 42B on Interstate 80 and can be accessed via Cherry Hill Road to Interpace Parkway from the east, and from Route 46 via Interpace Parkway from the north. The NJ Transit Bus Route 79, with service to Manhattan, stops directly in front of the building.

Vision Real Estate Partners is a full-service real estate owner/operator, specializing in development, property management, asset management and construction. The firm is well known for its deep roots and experience in the New Jersey/New York regional marketplace, and for its track record of identifying properties with great potential and transforming them into superior assets. Vision Real Estate Partners currently is developing or redeveloping more than 2 million square feet of space in its local market. The company has over 100 acres of land parcels available for mixed-use and build-to-suit opportunities. Its Vision Management platform also currently oversees property management, financial reporting and overall operational supervision for nearly 1.5 million square feet of office space on behalf of multiple strategic partners. For more information click here.

Rubenstein Partners, L.P., founded in September 2005, is a private real estate investment management and advisory firm with operations throughout the United States.  The firm is led by its founder, David Rubenstein, and a group of senior real estate executives, and is focused on directing and managing office real estate investments in the U.S. Rubenstein Partners’ predecessor companies, The Rubenstein Company, LP and its affiliates, founded in 1969, was one of the largest private owner operators of Class A office real estate in the Mid-Atlantic, owning and operating a portfolio of assets valued at approximately $1.2 billion at the time of its disposition in 2004. Since 2005, Rubenstein Partners has, on behalf of its investors and clients, invested in more than 22 million square feet of office real estate assets throughout the United States.  For more information click here.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Reorganization Meeting 01-07-2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Reorganization Meeting 01-07-2020

 

“Musical Evening with Morris County’s Lakeland Youth Symphony”

Focus contributor
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“Musical Evening with Morris County’s Lakeland Youth Symphony”

MORRIS COUNTY — The young musicians of Morris County’s Lakeland Youth Symphony treated family and friends to a memorable evening of holiday tunes on Sunday, December 15. String players ranging from ages 5 to 18 delighted the audience during the Lakeland Youth Symphony’s Annual Holiday Concert at Parsippany Hills High School.

The beginners of the Prelude class, taught by Ms. Angel Liu, charmed the audience followed up by the Lakeland Strings Orchestra. Violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists ranging in age from 6 to 12 years old comprise this orchestra, which is conducted by Ms. Carol Meiseles.

Ms. Sue On, Youth Ensemble conductor, Ms. Bobbi Patham, LYS Publicity, Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano

The Youth Ensemble, conducted by Ms. Sue On, progressed to a more advanced level of play with other holiday selections. The audience was mesmerized by the 11 to 18 year olds of the Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Petko Dimitrov. The advanced level of play was demonstrated in sophisticated pieces of music by Ludwig Van Beethoven Symphony No. 7 in A Major Season Finale Music, impressing the audience and creating some of the evening’s most memorable moments.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano participated/performed musical GPS with Youth Ensemble orchestra. He made this season’s musical event more memorable.

Lakeland Youth Symphony’s sparkling holiday gift of a musical evening was one to be thankful for during this season of giving.

Since the 1957-58 Season, the Lakeland Youth Symphony Orchestra has provided musical education and performance opportunities for young string musicians in Northern New Jersey for 61 years.

The Lakeland Youth Symphony is a not-for-profit organization. Most number of students come from Parsippany, Boonton, Whippany, Mountain Lakes, Rockaway, Livingston. A scholarship program exists to make this opportunity accessible to all. If you would like more information about their programs click here.

Image Contribution: Don Heinrich & Bobbi Patham
Article: Pappaparvathi ‘Bobbi’ Patham

RAINBOWS for All Children Grief Support Program Offered

Frank L. Cahill
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RAINBOWS for All Children Grief Support Program Offered

MORRIS COUNTY — Rainbows for All Children is a peer support program for children who have experienced grief through a death or divorce in the family. Winter-Spring registration is now being accepted. Sessions begin February 4 and continue every Tuesday through April 7.

The meetings are held at Saint Francis Residential Community Center from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 122 Diamond Spring Road, Denville.

Small groups are formed for children ages five years and up. There are no fees to parents. Call Diane Thormann at (973) 627-2134 or Wendy Spector (973) 625-3352 for registration information click here.

Aimee Osterman Named to Dean’s List at York College of Pennsylvania

Frank L. Cahill
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Aimee Osterman Named to Dean’s List at York College of Pennsylvania

PARSIPPANY — Aimee Osterman a junior Early Elementary Education major at York College of Pennsylvania, has been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 semester.

Aimee is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and was a Camp Counselor at Harbor Hills Day Camp.

To be eligible for this honor, a student must be registered for at least 12 academic credit hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

Located in south central Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 70 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences, and humanities to its 4,100 undergraduate students. The College also offers master’s programs in business, education, and nursing, and a doctorate in nursing practice. A center of affordable academic excellence, York is dedicated to the intellectual, professional, and social growth of its students. The College helps them develop a concrete plan to attain academic growth and career success; encourages them to try in the “real world” what they learn in the classroom; and prepares them to be professionals in whatever career they pursue.

Morris special election convention set for February 1

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris special election convention set for February 1
Tayfun Selen

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Committee will hold a special election convention to fill a vacancy on the Board of Freeholders on Saturday, February 1. The convention is set for 9:00 a.m. at the County College of Morris in Randolph.

The election is to fill the seat of Heather Darling  who resigned 11:59 p.m. December 31 to become the Morris County Surrogate.

Chatham Township Mayor Tayfun Selen, Pequannock Councilwoman Melissa Florance-Lynch, former Pompton Lakes Councilman Christian Barranco and former Morristown Councilwoman Alison Deeb, are in the race for the seat vacated by Heather Darling.

The race changed last month when Attorney General Gurbir Grewal charged former Freeholder John Cesaro, with accepting a bribe from a cooperating witness, attorney Matthew O’Donnell. As of now Cesaro did not drop out of the race to return to the freeholder board.

Parsippany Township Council Holds Reorganization Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Township Council Holds Reorganization Meeting

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council held its Annual Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 7.

Longtime Councilman Michael dePierro was named Council President and Loretta Gragnani was named Council Vice President.

dePierro has served six years on the Parsippany School Board and 36 years on the Parsippany Township Council, serving as President and Vice President at various times over the years. He served for 24 years on the Planning Board and have also served on the Open Space Committee, Traffic Committee, Municipal Alliance Committee, the Day Care Center, and many others.

Also at the reorganization meeting, The Township Council assigned Liaisons to the numerous committees and filled vacancies or re-appointed the following members:

Economic Development Advisory Committee
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Loretta Gragnani
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) John Beehler
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Steve Mandel
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Raviram Medapati
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Robert Peluso
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Thomas Williams
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Adam Kandil

Emergency Services Council Council
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Paul Carifi

Environmental Advisory Committee
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Janice McCarthy
Member – 3 Year Term 9 (12/31/22) Michele Gaynor
Member- 3 Year Term 9 (12/31/22) Susan Lynn Persson
Member- 3 Year Term 9 (12/31/22) Harshad Anjaria

Fire Prevention Bureau
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Paul Carifi

Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Emily Peterson
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Mary Purzycki
Member – 3 Year Unexpired Term (12/31/21) Barbara Seaman
Member – 3 Year Unexpired Term (12/31/21) Sharif Shamsudin

Knoll Country Club Golf Advisory Committee
Council Liaison – 3 Year Term (12/Lloyd 31/22) Mike dePierro

Library Board of Trustees
Council Liaison -1 Year Term (12/31/20) Emily Peterson

Morris County League of Municipalities
Representative – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Janice McCarthy

Municipal Alliance Committee
Representative – 2 Year Term (12/31/21) Loretta Gragnani

Municipal Government Transparency Committee
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Emily Peterson
Member – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) John Beehler
Member – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) David Kaplan
Member – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Patricia Petaccia
Member – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Nancy Snyder
Member – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Chris Mazzarella

Open Space Committee – Chair – Mayor Michael Soriano
Council Member – 4 Year Term (12/31/23) Mike dePierro
Member-  3 Year Term (12/31/21) Unexpired Term Len Lipkins
Member – 3 Year Term (12/3122) Ruth Palmeri

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Representative – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Paul Carifi

Parsippany Child Day Care Center
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Loretta Gragnani

Planning Board
Class III Member – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Mike dePierro

Police Athletic League
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Paul Carifi

Recreation Advisory Committee
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Paul Carifi

Traffic Advisory Committee
Council Liaison – 1 Year Term (12/31/20) Mike dePierro
Member – 3 Year Term (12/31/22) Nancy Snyder

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Regular Member – 4 Year Term (12/31/23) Dave Kaplan
Regular Member – 4 Year Term (12/31/23) Nancy Snyder

Surrogate’s Office Partners with Morris County Bar Association to Provide Reduced Fee Attorney Referrals

Frank L. Cahill
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Surrogate’s Office Partners with Morris County Bar Association to Provide Reduced Fee Attorney Referrals

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s new Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq., has announced a partnership between the Surrogate’s Office and the Morris County Bar Association’s Reduced Fee Referral Program to match attorneys with residents who cannot afford legal services and do not qualify for free or pro bono legal services.

This new program is offered at no cost to the taxpayers of Morris County.

“As a practitioner in the Surrogate’s Court for many years, I am familiar with the difficulties people face in trying to navigate the guardianship or probate processes without legal counsel when necessary legal counsel is unaffordable for them. For this reason, I am pleased that we were able to work with Jennifer McAndrew Vuotto and the Morris County Bar Association to bring this program to the citizens of Morris County,” Darling said.

Matters within the Surrogate’s Office, which are currently included in this program, are wills, guardianship and probate issues.

Guardianship includes a declaration of incapacitation to handle one’s own affairs. It can be a complicated matter for people who had been caregivers without the need for a court intervention.

Probate is another difficult matter for family members once a loved one has passed and grieving survivors learn the difficulty in administering the decedent’s estate.

In New Jersey, Title 3B is the statute which addresses guardianship and probate. The statute can be complex and difficult to navigate without legal training and practice.

“Bottom line, this program will be a way to bridge the gap for those who have been legally left behind,” said Deputy Surrogate Chris Luongo, Esq.

To participate in the program, individuals must qualify financially by demonstrating they fall within certain financial criteria, with eligibility limits higher than those of most pro-bono services.

“When we started this program, we wanted to ensure that as many people as possible had access to counsel as they navigated the Court system. There are many litigants who do not qualify for assistance, yet still, have difficulty affording an attorney. Those are the litigants we set out to help and have succeeded in helping the most,” said Vuotto, who is co-chair of the Morris County Bar Association Reduced Fee Referral Program.

Attorneys who want to participate in the program can apply through the Morris County Bar Association. They must have a demonstrated knowledge of matters within the Surrogate’s Court and the ability to undertake said matters in a timely and productive fashion.

Freeholders, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clergy To Hold Community Rally Against Hate

Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholders, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Clergy To Hold Community Rally Against Hate

MORRIS COUNTY —  Morris County residents are invited to a special “Community Rally Against Hate’’ on Thursday, January 9, at 5:00 p.m. in Randolph, with a goal of standing united against hatred and bigotry that recently has targeted the Jewish community and other faiths in our state and nation.

The event, to be held at the Gottesman RTW Academy at 146 Dover Chester Road is sponsored by the Morris County Board of Freeholders, in coordination with Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, and clergy from across the county.

CCM Fine Art Professors Display Their Work at The Center for Contemporary Art

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Fine Art Professors Display Their Work at The Center for Contemporary Art

MORRIS COUNTY — The artwork of 14 fine art professors from County College of Morris (CCM) is being featured in an exhibition at The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster as one of its first exhibits of the new year.

Titled REPRESENTING: Artwork of the County College of Morris Fine Art Faculty, the exhibition takes place January 17 through February 27. An opening reception, featuring talks by several of the artists, takes place Friday, January 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Center for Contemporary Art is located at 2020 Burnt Mills Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921.

Fine Art Professor Keith Smith is curating the exhibition. Smith’s artwork has been exhibited at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton and the Morris Museum in Morristown.

REPRESENTING showcases the work of CCM professors who teach the foundational and intermediate art courses that lead to an Associate of Fine Arts degree. Each member of the CCM fine arts faculty is an exhibiting professional artist.

“Although the artwork in this exhibition spans a variety of media and styles, it is linked by exceptional craft and creative competence,” says Smith.

Full-time professors participating in the exhibition, along with Smith, are Clayton Allen and Todd Doney. Also participating are adjunct faculty members Marco Cutrone, Kathy DeFilippis, Patrick Gallagher, Andrea Kelly, Deborah Kelly, Charles Mulford, Barbara Neibart, John Reinking, Robert Ricciotti, Eileen Sackman and Leah Tomaino.

To learn more about the Fine Arts Program at CCM click here.

Representative Sherrill Introduces Legislation to Prevent Methane Leaks

Frank L. Cahill
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Representative Sherrill Introduces Legislation to Prevent Methane Leaks

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large) introduced H.R. 5542, the Mitigate Methane Now Act, legislation to encourage the replacement of old, home distribution pipelines which are a major source of methane leakage across the country and to help mitigate climate change immediately.

New Jersey is home to some of the oldest natural gas infrastructure in the country. These aging pipes that bring natural gas to New Jersey homes leak harmful gases like methane into our atmosphere. Methane is 100 times more potent than carbon dioxide – and though a relatively short living gas, it’s effect on warming the climate cannot be understated: the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that methane is more than 80 times as effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, making it a prime culprit for our warming temperatures.

States through the Northeast have been working with their utility commissions to strategize on how to replace these old and leaking pipes. Typically, costs of essential pipeline repair and replacement are passed on to consumers. This bill will help ensure that lower- and fixed-income consumers are protected from increases in their monthly bill when these important repairs and modernization efforts occur. H.R. 5542 provides money to states to offset rate increases for low-income consumers.

“New Jersey’s aging infrastructure is an issue for our families and our environment,” said Representative Sherrill. “While there is interest in our communities to accelerate the replacement of worn distribution pipelines for safety, reliability, and environmental benefits, a variety of barriers exist, including cost. Our bill will help replace old pipelines, mitigate methane emissions, and have an immediate effect on our efforts to tackle climate change.”

“I am proud to introduce this legislation today with Rep. Sherrill. Repairing and replacing old, leak-prone infrastructure in the natural gas distribution system will protect our communities from potentially dangerous explosions, save consumers money, and reduce potent methane emissions that fuel climate change,” said Representative Blunt Rochester, a member of the House Energy & Commerce Energy Subcommittee. “This bill is good for the environment, good for our economy, and good for Delaware.”

DeCroce bill aiding victims of crime who seek compensation clears committee

Frank L. Cahill
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DeCroce bill aiding victims of crime who seek compensation clears committee

PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce and renowned crime victims’ lawyer and advocate Richard Pompelio testified before the Assembly Appropriations Committee in support of her bill (A3391/S498) that increases financial support for victims of crime. The bill was unanimously approved by the committee and awaits a vote by the full Assembly.

“Since 1989, since Rich’s son was murdered, I’ve been an advocate for victims of crime. I’ve worked closely with Rich and my late husband Alex to fight for the rights of victims in this state and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished to date,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “This bill is going to help more victims of crime and get them the compensation they deserve without affecting taxpayers.”

The compensation is funded by state criminal penalties and fines, prison commissary fees, payments under the Sexual Assault Treatment Fund, criminal restitution, and the Federal Victims of Crime Act.

“It’s probably one of the most important bills in the history of victims of crime in this state,” said Pompelio, who runs the New Jersey Crime Victims’ Law Center. “You have areas in the inner cities that have not been treated appropriately by the system. The Victims of Crime Compensation Office is a safety net for victims that have no other resources to help them pay for the costs of crime. With this bill, there are literally going to be thousands of people who will be able to receive free legal assistance and of course the compensation they need to help pay for things like funeral costs, bereavement assistance and child care.”

The state office of victim compensation has been under criticism for failing to achieve its objectives. Since, 2009 the denial rate for compensation has consistently exceeded 50 percent.

“We needed to reform the victim compensation system in New Jersey,” said DeCroce. “This bill will right many of the current wrongs and make sure victims of crime and their family members find fairness, respect and compassion.”

The bill increases the legal fees benefit from $3,000 to $10,000 so that more victims of crime may receive pro bono legal assistance. In addition, the bill updates the definition of a victim to match existing state law so that a person who suffers personal, physical, or psychological injury or death resulting from a crime may be awarded compensation. The bill also expands the list of crimes for which a victim can receive compensation to include simple assault, disorderly conduct and leaving the scene of an accident, and increases the time limit on filing a claim from three to five years.

The Senate version (S498) passed by a 38-0 vote in June.

Letter to the editor: Unfriendly Official Town Website Continues!

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

Despite several complaints at Council Meetings, phone calls and personal contact, Parsippany’s official website continues to be user unfriendly. Absolutely no former user friendly or positive aspects of the former webpage were incorporated. Why have not one Council member or the Mayor himself looked into this?

Having been brought to your attention, on several occasions. The website continues as before. How are “concerned citizens” suppose to find relevant times and places to organize, with problems or concerns which affect our lives?

Jack the webmaster seems apathetic; ignoring this situation. The fact that he had to offered classes how to use the site, says much. No one apparently attended these classes of inconvenient nature; most likely because no one could find them on the website.

If it was not for Frank Cahill/Parsippany Focus, no one would know anything. The fact is this “new website” format is not conducive to the public or local democratic involvement in municipal issues. It is a mistake to allow it to continue this way. The prior site had very visible and obvious presentation of meetings and agendas; their only flaw was at times, failure to provide agendas and minutes; especially for Planning, Zoning Boards.

The new website is a detriment to public communications.  It is challenging to find meetings and data on meeting dates, has been incorrect.

No one on the town council or in the administration seems to care. This is another attempt at corrective criticism. Does “we the people” mean anything anymore on any level of governance anywhere in this nation?
Nick Homyak
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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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