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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomes new member

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany welcomes new member

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill welcomed new member David Andrews on Thursday, December 12.

Dave was introduced to Kiwanis by former club member Frank Atkins. Club President Frank Cahill presented Dave with his membership plaque and placed the official Kiwanis membership pin on Dave.

Cahill said “We welcome Dave to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany currently has 74 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.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

 

Businesses Look Forward to Economic Boost From Minimum Wage

Frank L. Cahill
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Businesses Look Forward to Economic Boost From Minimum Wage

PARSIPPANY — New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase to $11.00 on January 1, in another step toward the $15.00 minimum wage enacted in February. Business leaders say that raising the minimum wage will boost consumer buying power, foster a more stable and productive workforce, and strengthen businesses and the economy.

New Jersey is one of 21 states raising its minimum wage at the new year, including six states (New Jersey, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York) on track to reach $15.00 in the future. Additionally, Washington D.C.’s minimum wage will reach $15 on July 1, 2020 and Connecticut will raise its minimum wage on September 1, 2020 in a step toward $15.00 by 2023.

New Jersey’s law, reflecting a compromise between the governor and legislative leaders, raises the minimum wage to $11.00 on January 1 for businesses with more than five employees (after increasing it to $10.00 on July 1, 2019 for these businesses), with future increases of $1.00 a year to reach $15.00 by 2024, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments.The minimum wage increases to $10.30 on January 1, 2020 for seasonal workers and businesses with fewer than six employees, eventually reaching $15.00 in 2026 – followed by a two-year period for the slower-path minimum wage to catch up to cost-of-living adjustments in the regular minimum wage by 2028.

“Twenty-one states are ringing in the New Year with minimum wage increases, and that’s great news for business and our economy,” said Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage. “It’s vital to remember that workers are also customers, and minimum wage increases boost the buying power of people living paycheck to paycheck. Minimum wage raises also pay off in lower employee turnover, reduced hiring and training costs, lower error rates, better productivity and happier customers.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO of Earth Friendly Products, which manufactures ECOS® brand products in Parsippany (as well as California, Illinois and Washington): “With a higher minimum wage, turnover is lower, productivity is higher and customer service is stronger, helping businesses succeed. We start employees at $17.00 an hour and provide great benefits, and we’re still able to sell our products at competitive prices. Raising the minimum wage is an important investment in American workers and businesses.”

Scheduled increases for December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 include:

Arizona increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2020 and is indexed for annual cost of living increases starting in 2021
Arkansas increases to $10 on Jan. 1, 2020 and $11 in 2021
California increases to $13 on Jan. 1, 2020, $14 in 2021 and $15 in 2022. Small businesses with 25 employees or fewer have an extra year to comply, reaching $15 in 2023. After the minimum wage reaches $15 for all employees, it will be indexed for annual cost of living increases.
Colorado increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2020 and indexed starting in 2021
Illinois increases to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020, $10 on July 1, 2020, $11 on Jan. 1, 2021, with future increases of $1 a year to reach $15 by 2025
Maine increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2020 and indexed starting in 2021
Maryland increases to $11 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases to reach $15 in 2025. Small businesses with fewer than 15 employees reach $11 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases to reach $15 on Jan. 1, 2026.
Massachusetts increases to $12.75 on Jan. 1, 2020, with increases of 75 cents a year to reach $15 in 2023
Michigan increases to $9.65 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future small increases until it reaches $12.05 in 2030, “or a subsequent calendar year”
Missouri increases to $9.45 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases of 85 cents a year to reach $12 in 2023 and then indexed
New Jersey increases to $11 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases of $1 a year to reach $15 by 2024 and then indexed. Businesses with fewer than six employees increase to $10.30 on Jan. 1, 2020 and then rise more slowly to $15 in 2026.
New Mexico increases to $9 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases to $12 in 2023
New York
New York City increases to $15 on Dec. 31, 2019 for businesses with 10 employees or fewer, putting all businesses in New York City at $15
Long Island and Westchester increase to $13 on Dec. 31, 2019, $14 in 2020 and $15 in 2021
The rest of New York State increases to $11.80 on Dec. 31, 2019 and $12.50 on Dec. 31, 2020. Annual increases starting in 2021 will bring the rest of New York to $15 on a schedule to be determined based on cost of living and other indices.
Washington state increases to $13.50 on Jan. 1, 2020 and indexed for annual cost of living increases starting in 2021

States with indexing where annual cost of living adjustments will take effect January 1.

Alaska increases to $10.19
Florida increases to $8.56
Minnesota increases to $10 for employers with an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or more and $8.15 for employers with less than $500,000
Montana increases to $8.65
Ohio increases to $8.70
South Dakota increases to $9.30
Vermont increases to $10.96

Looking ahead, Nevada, Oregon and the District of Columbia have increases scheduled for July 1, 2020 and Connecticut will raise its minimum wage on September 1, 2020.

The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009—the longest period in history without a raise. On July 18, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15.00 by 2025, but the Senate has not acted.

Melissa Florance-Lynch Announces Candidacy for Morris County Freeholder Board

Frank L. Cahill
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Melissa Florance-Lynch Announces Candidacy for Morris County Freeholder Board

MORRIS COUNTY —  Current Pequannock Township Councilwoman and lifelong Morris County resident Melissa Florance-Lynch announced her candidacy for Morris County Freeholder.

A lifelong resident of Pequannock with more than ten years of extensive leadership in governing, Melissa will bring her commitment to public service, business development, and philanthropy work to the Board. “I’m looking forward to sharing my best practices in fiscal responsible governing with the Freeholder Board and the residents of Morris County,” Melissa said. Florance-Lynch has proved herself a resolute, fiscal conservative despite challenging budget limitations from mandates handed down from Trenton, the burden of protecting Pequannock’s residents from seasonal flooding, and the need to collaborate and create opportunity for the sharing of services.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve balanced the need for supporting community programs and resources for residents, while holding the municipal tax rate to an increase of less than three-quarters of one percent on my nine-year watch. That’s the kind of fiscal conservatism I will bring to the Morris County Board.”

A current Pequannock council member, Melissa is a tireless public servant having collaborated extensively with federal, state, and municipal officials to mitigate the impact of flooding on behalf Pequannock residents. She has welcomed countless new businesses into Pequannock spurring critical economic growth and helping to lower the residential tax rate.

A liaison to the the town’s Economic Development Committee, Melissa has overseen the growth of business in Pequannock Township as well as improvements to Pequannock’s business district. Philanthropy has been Melissa’s passion throughout her life and she has lent her talents to the Deborah Heart & Lung Center and Hospital Foundation​, Pequannock Valley Rotary Club, Pequannock Twp. Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Suburban Woman’s Club of Pompton Plains.

A successful business woman, Melissa has been a licensed Realtor® for over twenty years and has been a Real Estate Broker and Sales Manager with Realty Executives for the past nine years. She recently was selected to receive the prestigious North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® (NCJAR) “REALTOR® of the Year” Award for 2020. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration – Seton Hall University.

Sons of Italy donates to families for Thanksgiving

Frank L. Cahill
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Sons of Italy donates to families for Thanksgiving

PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy #2561 donated to families for Thanksgiving. They donated 17 cooked turkey dinners purchased from ShopRite and another $1000.00 in gift cards.

Eight of the complete turkey dinners were distributed to families at Parsippany Child Day Care Center and the other nine dinners were distributed to individual families in Parsippany.

The Morris County of the Order of Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 is an affiliated member of the Order of the Sons of Italy In America Association, the largest and longest established Italian-American organization in the United States.

Morris County Lodge was founded as a non-profit organization, which contributes thousands of dollars to worthwhile local charities and families.  The lodge is proud to be able to serve a small portion of needs to our local communities.  Donations include, but are not limited to, The Parsippany Food Pantry, High School Scholarships, Gift cards to families in need, The Valerie Fund, Alzheimers, and many more.

Members of the Morris County Sons of Italy lodge meet once a month at a local restaurant, typically on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Meetings commence at 6:30 p.m. with members discussing monthly lodge business, fundraising, and community charity events and needs in the Morris county area.

For more information on how to join, please email Lou Amato at MorrisSOI2561@gmail.com.

Cesaro, charged with bribery, won’t be appointed Rockaway prosecutor

Frank L. Cahill
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Cesaro, charged with bribery, won’t be appointed Rockaway prosecutor

PARSIPPANY — As reported on njglobe.com, Former Freeholder John Cesaro, charged by the state attorney general for taking a bribe, will not become the new Rockaway Township municipal prosecutor next month.

Rockaway Township Mayor Michael Puzio has instead decided to reappoint Peter King, who has held the post for the last few years. Puzio had initially offered the job to Cesaro, a surprising move since King was an experienced prosecutor, as stated in njglobe.com.

King is the counsel to the Morris County Republican Committee, and a partner in the Peter King Law Group located in Parsippany.

John Cesaro 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 the cooperating witness, 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. According to New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission website, Cesaro did not file a petition to seek the Mayoral office, but did file to seek Heather Darling’s vacated seat in the June 2020 primary.

Lily’s Hope featured Santa and Mrs. Claus at IHOP

Frank L. Cahill
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Lily’s Hope featured Santa and Mrs. Claus at IHOP

PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, December 10, Lily’s Hope, a 501(c)(3) organization sponsored a holiday event at Parsippany’s IHOP.

The event featured Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, crafts and an information booth about the organization. The event was located in a party room at IHOP. A percentage of food and beverage orders benefitted the charity.

Terry Corigliano

Onsite was Terry Corigliano, Head Secretary for the Parsippany BOE Maintenance Department and a Board Member for Lily’s Hope. She welcomed families into the room and made sure to relay the purpose of the organization, which includes work with St. Clare’s Hospital locally. The group strives to support parents of premature newborns.

The organization’s stated purpose is “Lily’s Hope supports babies, children, and their families with unexpected and urgent needs due to premature birth. We support our NICU families by providing them with essential items since they have been unable to prepare for their child’s early arrival. Our Lily’s Hope Families that are in the middle of this medical crisis are referred to us by hospital case workers, hospital staff, and word of mouth. We work with each individual family to answer their specific needs by way of our Packages of Hope.

Our Packages of Hope include items that can often be expensive and difficult to find. Examples of the care package contents are micro-preemie/preemie clothing, preemie diapers, car seats or car seat beds, bassinets, gift cards for use toward transportation to the NICU, and much more.”

Meet Kyle, a 3-year-old Pug/Brussels Griffon mix!

Frank L. Cahill
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Meet Kyle, a 3-year-old Pug/Brussels Griffon mix!

PARSIPPANY — Kyle was recently rescued from a local, municipal shelter where he was found as a stray. We are so excited to be able to help this happy boy find his forever home!

Kyle is very friendly and can always be found smiling. He is a real nugget of joy! He often stands on his hind legs and does a little dance when he wants your attention (or a taste of your dinner!)!

Kyle is dog-friendly with dogs who will give him space and can live with children 16+. His preferred home would be a quiet one without a lot of chaos. What can we say, Kyle loves his peace and quiet! He would also prefer a home without frequent visitors or one where his owners are experienced with fear issues. This little guy is afraid of strangers but loves his foster family. He will need a home that understands and can work through this with him.

Kyle loves toys and playing. He also really enjoys curling up in his foster mom’s laps for pets. He’s a great mix of fun and snuggly!

If you’re looking for a dog to make you grin ear-to-ear, apply to adopt Kyle today!

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

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.

John Cesaro among public officials charged in major investigation of political corruption

Frank L. Cahill
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John Cesaro among public officials charged in major investigation of political corruption

PARSIPPANY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that five current and former public officials and political candidates in New Jersey – 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).

The five defendants are charged with taking thousands of dollars in bribes from a cooperating witness in the form of campaign contributions. In return, the defendants allegedly promised the cooperating witness, who is a tax attorney, that they would vote or use their official authority or influence to hire or continue to hire his law firm for lucrative government legal work. Envelopes and paper bags filled with cash – and even a coffee cup stuffed with cash – were delivered to the defendants by the cooperating witness at restaurants, parking lots, a political fundraiser, and a campaign headquarters. Other times the cooperating witness offered checks from illegal “straw donors” – individuals reimbursed to write checks to the defendant’s campaign in amounts that complied with the legal limit on individual donations.

The following five defendants were charged separately in criminal complaints with second-degree bribery in official and political matters:

  • John Cesaro – Former Morris County Freeholder
  • Mary Dougherty – Former Morris County Freeholder Candidate
  • Sudhan Thomas – Jersey City School Board President
  • Jason O’Donnell – Former State Assemblyman and Former Bayonne Mayoral Candidate
  • John Windish – Former Mount Arlington Council Member

The defendants who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct – Cesaro, Thomas, and Windish – also are charged with second-degree acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by a public servant for official behavior.

“We allege that these political candidates were all too willing to sell the authority of their public office or the office they sought in exchange for an envelope filled with cash or illegal checks from straw donors,” said Attorney General Grewal. “This is old-school political corruption at its worst— the kind that undermines the political process and erodes public faith in government. We are working through the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to create a culture of accountability in New Jersey, where public officials know they must act with integrity or else face the consequences.”

John Cesaro, Former Morris County Freeholder John 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 the cooperating witness, 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.

During a conversation about the contributions before they were delivered, the cooperating witness and Cesaro had the following exchange:

CW: Johnny, listen, all I want to do is the tax work. That’s all I’m looking to do.
Cesaro: I become mayor, I got your back.

The alleged criminal conduct occurred between April and May 2018.

“I’m disappointed in today’s news regarding former Parsippany Councilman, Township Prosecutor, Morris County Freeholder, and Parsippany Republican Committee Vice Chair John Cesaro’s indictment on bribery charges. These alleged bribes were solicited in preparation for his 2021 Parsippany Mayoral campaign. Uncovering that this behavior occurred within our township makes this a sad day for his family and for Parsippany residents,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano.

Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The second-degree charges against those who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct – Thomas, Cesaro, and Windish – carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison without eligibility for parole under New Jersey’s enhanced penalties for official corruption.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – December 17, 2019

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – December 17, 2019

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – December 17, 2019 – Part 2

Letter to editor: Bizarro Russian Probes, Impeachment and Rosneft & Exxon’s Strategic Cooperation

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

I’m writing this op-ed as an ex-Democrat who as of this year is an Independent. I became a Democrat in 2009 when the Republicans were bashing President Obama on a daily basis and, at that time, I just couldn’t fathom being a part of a party that doesn’t do everything they can to help the President of the United States at all times under any circumstance. Fast forward to 2019 and it is déjà vu all over again but reversed, Democrats severely criticizing the President of the United States on the daily and nothing getting done to move the country forward because of it. It’s Russia this and Russia that but I’m still yet to find or hear about one American that says they were brainwashed by the Russians and because of it voted for Trump. The Russians spent $100,000 on Facebook political ads and Trump spent $44 million on micro-targeted Facebook ads. Besides, the rust belt where Trump won the election, inside the VFW’s, Legion Halls, Elks Clubs and Freemason Lodges, those people didn’t Facebook then and still really don’t today.

Trump won because of Trump and three other reasons. American’s being and still are fed up with politicians. Hillary Clinton and her awful pick for Vice President were terrible candidates. I still can’t remember the VP candidate’s name. And lastly, the Trump campaign’s genius pick for their campaign manager, Brad Parscale. American’s are tired of all the back and forth fighting on both sides of the aisle that has literally left our country’s infrastructure crumbling. They’re tired of hearing about how bad Greece, Spain and Italy’s economies are and about the aid we give them but when they look at their Instagram feeds they see that these countries and their cities are the most beautiful places on Earth so that is why Trump won. American’s are not stupid and African and Hispanic Americans proved this when they didn’t come out to vote for Hillary Clinton. Do you think African and Hispanic Americans don’t know that President Bill Clinton was the architect of the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” Law that gutted African and Hispanic communities throughout our country? Do you think African and Hispanic Americans didn’t notice that Hillary Clinton could have picked Senator Cory Booker or the Democratic Party Chairperson Tom Perez for Vice President and won the election easily, instead she did the superficial usage of Spanish by a white politician to appeal to Latino voters. On top of that 7 in 10 Latinos say a candidate’s Spanish fluency won’t influence their vote anyway so that is why Trump won. Lastly, there’s Brad Parscale, Trump’s brilliant pick to run his campaign. I’m not going get into it here about this guy but all I have to say is this dude is off the charts. Go on to YouTube and watch his 60 Minutes interview and examine the way he seamlessly and intelligently answers every single question and then discern what he did during the campaign and how many light-years ahead of the Hillary Clinton campaign he was and you’ll see why Trump won.

As I’m writing this Nancy Pelosi just asked the House Democrats to proceed with the bizarro Articles of Impeachment on Trump’s alleged wrongdoing involving the Ukraine. She’s talking about how President Trump abused his power at the expense of our national security. So, let me get this straight, the last time the Democrats were in power and Joe Biden was Vice President and Nancy Pelosi was the Speaker of the House they spent billions on green energy projects while at the same time letting Exxon partner with Rosneft, Russia’s biggest oil company. The Democrats while spending billions on bunk green energy solar hustle projects were at the same time letting Exxon show Rosneft how to do sideways drilling that took Russia from 6 million barrels of oil per day up to 12 million barrels per day and made Russia, our supposed enemy, the largest oil producer in the world at that time. Then Rosneft and Exxon started complaining about how much they have to pay in fees to the Ukraine for oil and gas for storage and transport in the Crimea. What happens next? Russia takes over Crimea and America, the Arsenal of Democracy, sits on their hands and does nothing about it. So now, not only did we let a communist country take over an important region of one our most important ally’s country for cheaper oil and gas fees for Rosneft and Exxon but we also let them steal a trillion dollars of oil from the citizens of the Ukraine that lies off the coasts of Crimea in their maritime zone that’s three times the size of Crimea. In the midst of all this, things were beginning to look really shady so the Democrats decided to put sanctions on Russia with a secret exclusion that Exxon is allowed to help Russia develop their LNG which they are still presently doing and, just recently, completed an LNG pipeline through Crimea to Germany. Right now, Russia is the 2nd biggest oil producer in the world and are, as I am writing this, on their way to becoming the biggest LNG producer in the world because of the Democrats who constantly accuse President Trump of being a climate change denier. They talk about how President Trump risked our national security with the Ukraine situation but the Democrats let Crimea be taken over and while doing so empowered Russia economically to the highest degree. And what has Russia been doing with this new found wealth, they’re making hypersonic missiles to maybe be used against the US, undermining elections and the US throughout the world and even just today stealing $100 million from our banks through Evil Corp, a Russian-based cyber-criminal organization. I want to know when all the impeachments start for all the Democrats that spoke out about President Trump who were fully aware of this entire empowering of Russia scheme that they let happen then and that still continues today that is jeopardizing our national security 24/7/365. And to all the Democrats that are creating and spreading all this misinformation about the President of the United States on a daily basis, if you stop lying about President Trump, I’ll stop telling the truth about you.

Op-Ed written by Jack Kurz

Wayne: Shooting During Armored Car Robbery Outside of The Bank Of America

Frank L. Cahill
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Wayne: Shooting During Armored Car Robbery Outside of The Bank Of America

WAYNE — Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Wayne Police Chief Jack McNiff announce that on Wednesday, December 18, at approximately 12:00 p.m., officers responded to the Bank of America located at 709 Hamburg Turnpike in response to a shooting.

Upon their arrival, officers located one adult male, 33, Plainfield, who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the torso.

Also on scene, were two private armed security guards and their armored vehicle.

The initial investigation revealed that the 33 year old male approached one of the armed guards as he was leaving the bank heading back to his armored truck and tried to steal the cash bags he was carrying.

A struggle ensued, during which the guard fired one round striking the suspect. The second guard remained in the truck while the struggle was taking place. The suspect was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson and has been admitted in stable condition. Neither of the guards were injured during the incident. At this time, no criminal complaints have been filed, however this investigation is active and ongoing. More information will be released when it becomes available.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Wayne Police Detective Bureau at (973) 694-0600.

TGI Friday is officially closed

Frank L. Cahill
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TGI Friday is officially closed

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany TGI Friday officially closed on Monday, December 16. The sign on the door says “please visit our other locations, Wayne and Roxbury. We would like to thank all our loyal customers that have been with us all these years. Thank you again.”

Sign company was removing the letters from the building on Wednesday, December 18
The sign company removing letters off the building

TGI Friday was located at 3835 Route 46.

The sign on Route 46 that once said TGIF is now covered

Parsippany Focus contacted the manager who confirmed the location was officially closed. According to Yelp, the restaurant had 146 reviews and only a two star rating.

Other local Friday locations are at:
TGI FRIDAYS EAST HANOVER
341 State Route 10
East Hanover, NJ 07936

TGI FRIDAYS WAYNE – WAYNE TOWN CENTER
71 Route 23 S
Wayne, NJ 07470

TGI FRIDAYS WEST ORANGE
495 Prospect Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052

TGI FRIDAYS ROXBURY
1103 Route 46
Ledgewood, NJ 07852

TGI Fridays in Waterbury , Connecticut. Alan Stillman opened the first TGI Fridays restaurant in 1965 in New York. He lived in a neighborhood with many airline stewardesses, fashion models, secretaries, and other young, single people on the East Side of Manhattan near the Queensboro Bridge , and hoped that opening a bar would help him meet women.

The company is owned by TriArtisan Capital, a New York-based private equity firm, that purchased the company from Sentinel Partners in October 2019. The name is asserted to stand for “Thank God It’s Friday”, although as of 2010 some television commercials for the chain have also made use of the alternative phrase, “Thank Goodness It’s Friday.”

Update: Found “Missing” Cat Colony

Sharon Maroldi
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Update: Found “Missing” Cat Colony

PARSIPPANY — On December 15, 2019, Parsippany Focus provided info about Parsippany’s Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) program for feral cats and also asked for information about a cat colony near Route 46.

The Parsippany Animal Shelter was able to provide recent photo evidence of the cat colony which was verified by the person who had been feeding them.  The colony’s feeding zone had been relocated which caused some confusion.

The Parsippany Animal Shelter is supportive of TNR and any feeders having questions are urged to contact them to discuss best practices or ask any questions they may have.

Santa arrived in Parsippany; Just in time to light the Christmas Tree at Town Hall

Frank L. Cahill
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Santa arrived in Parsippany; Just in time to light the Christmas Tree at Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills welcomed Santa and residents joined in the tree lighting festivities on Saturday, December 7. Santa arrived on a firetruck from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6.

In addition to the arrival of Santa, Parsippany-Troy Hills celebrated our champions as they helped usher in the holiday season.

Santa arrived on a fire truck
Mayor Michael Soriano
Parsippany High School Choir singing Christmas songs
Children in the Council’s Chamber making decorations after meeting Santa
The Worley Family with Santa: Georgia,11; Maddox,4 and Zoe, 9;
The Anderson Family with Santa: Paul, Lacey and Elise
Justin and Alex Zitelli with Santa
Nick Limanov, Santa and Paul Anderson
Lacey Anderson with Santa
Mayor Michael Soriano pointing at Santa

Parsippany Mayor Backs Driver’s Licenses For Immigrants

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Mayor Backs Driver’s Licenses For Immigrants

PARSIPPANY — Mayors of major New Jersey cities, municipalities, and small towns sent a letter to state legislative leaders and Governor Murphy voicing their collective support of legislation that would allow residents regardless of immigration status to obtain a driver’s license.

More than 719,00 residents in New Jersey lack access to a driver’s license in New Jersey, including immigrants without status, survivors of violence, residents who are formerly incarcerated and re-entering society, and low-income individuals are particularly impacted.

Currently, legislation S3229/A4743 is being considered in the New Jersey legislature that would expand said access to more residents. The legislation passed through the Assembly Judiciary Committee and will be heard before the Senate Transportation Committee.

The diverse cities and municipalities include Parsippany-Troy Hills, City of Newark, City of Bridgeton, Princeton, Borough of Haledon, Montgomery Township, Hopewell Borough, Palisades Park, Maplewood, Highland Park Borough, Union City, Hoboken, City of Perth Amboy, City of Trenton, and the City of Passaic.

Mayor Liz Lempert of Princeton said, “The Drivers’ Licenses for All bill would make our streets safer by reducing the number of uninsured and unlicensed drivers on the road. It would also help immigrants feel they can come out of the shadows to participate more fully in civic life, making our communities stronger.”

Mayor Michael A. Soriano, Parsippany-Troy Hills said,

“Driver’s licenses serve as the primary form of identification for most New Jersey residents.  Blocking access for any qualified driver in our state is not only an insurance risk, but makes it harder for law enforcement to do their jobs.  Everyone on the road will be safer once the maximum number of drivers have a license. I urge the legislature to take action on this bill to keep our communities safer.”

Fourteen states and Washington D.C. have implemented similar policy measures, with many states experiencing a decrease in the rates of uninsured motorists and an increase in road safety. Studies show rates of uninsurance decreasing significantly in Utah, California, and New Mexico after the implementation of expanded access to driver’s licenses.

The Let’s Drive NJ campaign is supported by a diverse and growing number of faith, labor, and community organizations and supporters from across the state. More information about the campaign can be found by clicking here.

Feral cat colony seemingly vanished

Sharon Maroldi
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Feral cat colony seemingly vanished

PARSIPPANY — A concerned citizen recently reached out to Parsippany Focus after a feral cat colony she was feeding seemingly vanished. While the colony is no longer evident at the location where they previously had been, reaching out to Parsippany Animal Control resulted in a statement being made by the Parsippany Police.  Essentially, it reiterates the town’s spring 2019 ordinance permitting trap, neuter and release (TNR), while operating within certain guidelines.

According to Sergeant Brian Conover,  Public Information Officer, “We are aware that a post was made on social media regarding the disappearance of a community/feral cat colony, which was located near Route 46.  I can confirm that our Animal Control personnel were aware of the colony prior to the post, however they did not have any involvement in the supposed disappearance. Further, Animal Control has spoken with another caregiver who feeds community/feral cats in that area and confirmed that she is still feeding approximately 10 cats.”

When information regarding the other person feeding the cats was requested, the information was not able to be shared. If this feeder will contact Parsippany Focus, we will gladly connect the two feeders, so that the person who is concerned can be assured of the safety and wellbeing of the colony. (news@parsippanyfocus.com).

In asking for some general guidelines regarding caring for feral cats in Parsippany, Sgt. Conover said, “Community cats, also known as feral cats, may be cared for on property not owned by the citizens caring for them, only after receiving permission from the owner or property manager.  If you are caring for a community cat or community cat colony, caregivers are permitted during daylight hours to feed them. Food must be offered to cats in a container and shall not be dumped on the ground. Any food remaining after the cats have eaten, must be removed before dark. Feeding areas must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.”

The full Parsippany-Troy Hills TNR ordinance language can be found online by clicking here.

Garden State Preservation Trust approved funding for Smith Field improvements

Frank L. Cahill
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Garden State Preservation Trust approved funding for Smith Field improvements

PARSIPPANY — The Garden State Preservation Trust has approved and recommended to the New Jersey State Legislature nearly $87 million in funding for projects to develop or update parks, playgrounds and fields, including $2.7 million for seven projects in Morris County, the state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner.

Included are projects in Parsippany, Chatham Township, Hanover, Madison, Mendham Township, Washington Township, plus a grant for the Morris County Park Commission.

The Legislature still must formally approve legislation to formally appropriate the funds but Governor Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe have recommended the projects for approval by the Legislature through the DEP’s Green Acres Program.

The Garden State Preservation Trust approved funding for municipal and county land acquisition projects,local development of parks and recreation facilities, local stewardship projects, acquisition projects by nonprofit organizations, recreational development, and nonprofit stewardship projects.

In many instances, state Green Acres funds are bundled with Morris County Open Space Trust Fund dollars and municipal open space dollars to finance projects.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Smith Field Park Improvements – $750,000
The township is proposing to construct active recreational facilities at the undeveloped Smith Field Park South located off Barbara Street. The proposed development consists of a synthetic grass cricket pitch/multipurpose facility which includes stadium lighting, restroom facilities, stadium seating and a parking facility.

Visit the DEP’s Green Acres website for more information all all projects recommended across the region and state.

Oak Ridge Man Found Guilty for Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child

Frank L. Cahill
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Oak Ridge Man Found Guilty for Sexual Assault and Endangering the Welfare of a Child

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker announce that on December 12, a Morris County jury found Richard Perry, 48, of Oak Ridge, guilty of two counts of second degree sexual assault and one count of third degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The Honorable David H. Ironson, J.S.C., presided over the trial. A sentencing date has been scheduled for January 17, 2020.

Perry was subsequently remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending sentencing.  At sentencing, he faces a minimum of five years New Jersey State Prison in which he will have to serve 85% of that sentence before being eligible for parole. Perry will also be subject to registration pursuant to Megan’s Law and Parole supervision for life

The crimes occurred on October 2, 2016 when Mr. Perry had touched the niece of his fiancé on the breasts and vagina during a sleepover at his home. The then 11-year-old victim disclosed to her aunt immediately that Mr. Perry touched her and the aunt in turn contacted the police.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Jefferson Township Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit for their involvement in this investigation and prosecution.  Prosecutor Knapp would specifically like to thank and recognize the prosecution team of Assistant Prosecutor Reema Sethi Kareer, Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Sparano, Detective Michael Bost, Detective Melissa Enslen, and Victim Advocate Amanda Holloway of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for their efforts in this case.

Prosecutor and Sheriff’s Office Provides Training Program for County Superintendents

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor and Sheriff’s Office Provides Training Program for County Superintendents

MORRIS COUNTY — On December 13, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office provided a training seminar for all Morris County school superintendents at Pequannock High School. The approximately two-hour training focused on bias crimes and incidents, and recognizing gang issues and violence in our communities and especially our schools.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Interim Executive County Superintendent Dr. Angelica L. Allen-McMillan gave opening remarks to the superintendents. Speakers for the event included Morris County Sheriff’s Office Detective Corporal Edwin Santana, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Samantha DeNegri, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre. Detective Corporal Santana is a founder of the Gang Intelligence Unit at the Morris County Correctional Facility, a national lecturer on gangs, and the New Jersey Chapter President of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association.

All three presenters have extensive experience working either in units covering gangs or bias crimes, and their expertise provided the superintendents with extremely beneficial knowledge in recognizing these issues in their school systems. With this information, the superintendents can create or update district-wide policies to ensure that their school district is as safe as possible.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp stated, “It is critically important that our schools are free of bias and gang violence. The training provided gave key information to school superintendents to recognize indicators of both before problems arise.”

Freeholder Deborah Smith to be named Freeholder Director

Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholder Deborah Smith to be named Freeholder Director

MORRIS COUNTY — Freeholder Deborah Smith will be named Freeholder Director at the Morris County Freeholders Reorganization meeting to be held on Friday, January 3, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Morris County Administration and Records Building.

Joining Smith will be Freeholder Stephen H. Shaw as Deputy Director.

Other members of the Freeholder Board consists of Doug Cabana, John Krickus, Thomas J. Mastrangelo andKathryn A. DeFillippo. Freeholder Heather Darling will step down and be sworn in for a five-year term as Morris County Surrogate. Darling, a Republican from Roxbury Township who has sat on the board since 2018, won the surrogate race, defeating Democrat Michael Thompson in the Tuesday, November 5 general election.

Darling leaves behind a term that expires on December 31, 2020. As a result, the seat must be filled by a Republican county convention, to be held at a date yet to be announced but must be held within 35 days after she is sworn in to her new position.

So far, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro of Parsippany, is first to announce his desire to fill Darling’s seat. Cesaro, a Parsippany attorney, sat on the freeholder board from 2012 to 2018. His bid to represent the 26th Legislative District in the Assembly failed in the June 2017 primary. His bid to return to the freeholder board in 2018 also ended in that primary.

Darling, a 43-year Morris County resident, was in her second year on the freeholder board but ran for surrogate because veteran surrogate John Pecorino was to retire after 25 years of service. She is principal of the Darling Law Firm, LLC, which she founded, and is president of her father’s real estate business.

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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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