PARSIPPANY — Christopher Schellhorn, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor of the Major Crimes and Arson and Environmental Crimes Units, has been installed as Secretary of the Morris County Bar Association. A 2019 trustee of the Morris County Bar Association, Schellhorn was installed to the position during the Morris County Bar Association Installation & Awards Dinner at the Brooklake Country Club on January 21.

During the event, Morris County Bar Association officers, trustees and the acting Executive Director were sworn in.

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said “We are extremely proud that Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn has continued his leadership role with the Morris County Bar Association. Chris has served the County of Morris with distinction for several years and is an extremely talented and dedicated attorney.  The Bar Association is very fortunate to have elected him to this position.”

PARSIPPANY — The U.S. Postal Service mail collection boxes located at 1160 Parsippany Road and 1180 Route 46 were broken into between 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22 and 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 23. The mail collection box on Midvale Avenue in Mountain Lakes was also forced open during the same time frame.

The unknown suspect emptied the bins which would have contained outbound mail. If you used the collection boxes during the above mentioned time frame, please verify that the person or business you sent mail to received it.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is currently investigating these incidents.

If you sent any personal data out during that time frame, please monitor your credit report and bank accounts for fraudulent activity.

PARSIPPANY — With the governor’s signature, a bill (A2431) sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, capping out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs was signed into law.

“Many people with high-cost-sharing plans don’t take vital medications prescribed by their doctors because they can’t afford their co-pays,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “The result is poor health outcomes and increased long term costs for chronically ill patients. Capping out-of-pocket payments will reduce health care costs in the long run.”

The law limits a patient’s share to $150.00 or $250.00 a month depending on the health-benefit plan level.

A study commissioned by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society found a connection between high-deductible plans and lower medication use and adherence, leading to poor outcomes and an increase in the cost of care.

Similar measures have passed in Delaware, Maryland, Louisiana, California and the District of Columbia. Maine and Vermont have limits on the annual out-of-pocket costs to consumers, and Virginia and five other states require insurance companies to provide notice to consumers of cost-sharing tiers and all changes to the plans.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (A1924), sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, to help veterans in New Jersey obtain employment in the insurance industry.

The legislation waives the initial insurance producer-licensing fee for honorably discharged veterans who are New Jersey residents, have passed the licensing exam and met any other requirements for licensure. A producer is a person licensed to sell, solicit or negotiate insurance.

“Veterans bring a unique background and skillset to the insurance industry, but may lack the ability to pay the licensing fee if they are unemployed,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Removing a fee is the least we can do to give our veterans transitioning to civilian life a path to gainful employment.”

Under the law, the Department of Banking and Insurance is authorized to waive the initial $190 licensing fee. The department is currently permitted to waive fees for disabled war veterans.

Affected veterans include those who served in any branch of the active or reserve military or National Guard. The law takes effect immediately.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, February 1, parents are invited to bring their child to make a Pinewood Derby Car.

The Pinewood Derby is a highlight of the Cub Scout year.  If your son or daughter is not yet in a Cub Scout pack, you can come build your car with guidance from experts.  The workshop, dubbed the 2020 Pinewood Derby Champ Camp, will be held at the Scout Shop, One Saddle Road in Cedar Knolls, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost of car kit is $5.00.

You will also receive information on the Cub Scout pack nearest your home.

Cub Scouts is for boys and girls in grades K-5.

For information, contact the Cedar Knolls Scout Shop, (973) 765-9322 ext. 233, 358scoutshoporderscedarknolls@scouting.org

PARSIPPANY — Brittany Diefenbach set up a GoFundMe account for Funeral Expenses for her dad, Edward Diefenbach.

PARSIPPANY — eBorg Robotics participates in the FIRST Tech Challenge competition (FTC). The goal of FTC is to ensure students develop STEM skills by designing/building robots to solve annual challenges, raising funds, and spearheading community outreach events. FIRST Robotics Competition teams are guided by principles of teamwork and gracious professionalism. eBorg Robotics, Team Lead, Neil Mathew says that “FTC provides a setting that deepens my understanding of pressing engineering issues and applications of technology, a truly incredible experience”.

On January 26, 2020, eBorg Robotics hosted a very successful Robotics Workshop and Community Outreach at the Parsippany Library from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reaching out to many FIRST robotics teams in the area, including Cruise Control, Reboot, the Juggernauts, the Livingston Lancers, RedBots, SmartStarz, and Invincibots, they were able to host an exhibition style outreach with various booths and workshops for students from all over Parsippany to try driving and building robots for themselves. Notable guest included Mayor Soriano, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sargent, and Mr. Bill Scalise, the CEO of Chase Partitions. “Planning this event to synergize several teams that graciously participated to outreach as a combined force to the community, has been a truly exhilarating experience” says STEM connect lead Mihir Vemuri.

In the April of 2018 and 2019, eBorg Robotics competed in the World Championship for the FIRST Tech Challenge competition. Only approximately 150 out of over approximately 4,000 teams, selected through a rigorous process of qualifier, state, and regional competitions, were able to compete. This year eBorg Robotics won the inspire award and has been the Winning alliance captain at NJ Qualifier and advancing to State Championships. Team also won the Think award from PA qualifier and advancing to PA State Championships.

Team Coach Amit Joglekar describes the team saying, “What powers the human hands are not just one or two fingers, but it’s the synchronized effort of all the uniquely gifted yet diverse tactile members. I believe the same is true for the power behind our team.”

Lead Technical Writer Tej Shah said, “Through various setbacks and challenges, we as a team have grown significantly, developing stronger technical and communication skills. Solving tough challenges that have long eluded us is what makes it all worth it in the end!”

eBorg Robotics strives to inspire and encourage students to pursue STEM in our local and global communities. Throughout this season alone, eBorg Robotics was able to make great strides in spreading STEM, specifically to students that may not have many opportunities. Through various outreaches and events, the team has conducted sessions with underprivileged children and students on the autism spectrum with non-profit organizations like Greater Life Center and Autism Foundations.

STEM Connect Lead, Mihir Vemuri says “Invoking the curiosity and potential of Autistic minds and instilling the self confidence in them to move a Robot is an extremely gratifying wonder.” Vemuri is facilitating team discussions with International Engineers to help underprivileged with STEM technologies and pay it forward by mentoring students in Rural India to build a motorized arm.

To reach people both locally and globally, Social Media and Digital Graphics Leads Arnav Khanna and Anish Chidella have made significant strides in the marketing department. Arnav has worked on increasing social media presence while Anish has worked on developing material that represent the face of eBorg for the FIRST competitions and the eBorg Robotics team to share with the community. Khanna also works on technical presentations and raising funds from the community.

FLL Mentoring Lead Rahul Mehta facilitated the growth of FLL teams locally. His advice and dedication was helpful in leading the Jagarnauts, an FLL team, to the State Championships. Also, internationally, Rahul Mehta inspired students in Indian metros to pursue opportunities in STEM and taught building basic Robots.

As part of the community aspect of FIRST, eBorg Robotics has sought to effect meaningful impact both locally and globally. This past summer, Marketing Manager Tesia Thomas conducted a two week long robotics workshop at an all girls home in rural Tanzania for girls coming from either physically/emotionally abusive or neglecting households. After developing a specialized curriculum, eBorg Robotics donated 2 EV3 kits to these girls. Tesia Thomas spoke of the continuous impact of this outreach saying “The girls I worked with in Tanzania were some of the most brilliant and innately interested students I have ever worked with. With the right exposure, they are now excelling and continuing to work with the kits which goes to show just how far one push can go!”

More recently, on January 3, the eBorg Robotics team conducted a workshop with several students to promote awareness of increasing accessibility of STEM career paths for women. The event was a success and all of the students had fun participating in engineering design activities that are instrumental in engineering tasks: teamwork, ingenuity, and collaboration.

Software Testing Lead Emily Liew said, “Seeing the gears in their minds turning and their flames of curiosity sparking is truly an unforgettable experience and opportunity that was gratifying. Connecting with the students and children in our communities and giving back allows me to believe that we are truly making an impact in their lives and leaving the world a little bit brighter than it was before.”

The team hopes to continue inspiring more children in their local and global communities to learn about Robotics and pursue careers in STEM.

MORRIS COUNTY — Rosemary Becchi, the tax policy attorney and public advocate behind Jersey First, announced she will run for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District.

Responding to calls from national, state and local Republican leaders, Rosemary will run to defeat Mikie Sherrill in the 11th District, helping Republicans field strong candidates throughout the state to oust Democrats who have put partisan impeachment ahead  of New Jersey families.

“Mikie Sherrill has failed our families by standing with Nancy Pelosi’s partisan impeachment effort instead of fixing the problems that have made New Jersey simply unaffordable for average families, seniors and our young people — the future of our economy,” Rosemary said.

“Mikie Sherrill broke her promise to the people of New Jersey to be a moderate voice for them, and instead has voted with Nancy Pelosi 98% of the time, including votes to weaken our immigration laws and against our military and veterans,” Rosemary added.

Rosemary is running to protect senior citizens from being shortchanged by foolhardy efforts to expand Medicare to all and to protect the nation’s private sector jobs and businesses from misguided, economy-killing regulations proposed in radical plans to address climate change.

“Rosemary is a savvy, formidable candidate for Congress, the type of person I want to work with in the House of Representatives to make real changes for the people of New Jersey.  She will defeat Mikie Sherrill in the 11th District and I will defeat Tom Malinowski in the 7th District to help our party take back the House and refocus Congress on the things that matter to New Jersey — keeping our economy strong, fixing our broken healthcare system and keeping our families secure,” said state Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr., the GOP candidate in the 7th District.

“The future is bright for Republicans in the state of New Jersey. I applaud Rosemary Becchi and her family for embracing the challenge of running for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. This news is welcome and exciting as Americans are hungry to change directions from partisanship to solutions,” said Republican House Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“In 2020, Republicans can take back the House, and the more candidates who are fighting for results for their constituents like Rosemary we have running, the better,” McCarthy added.

Rosemary has more than 25 years experience in public policy and the law, and she has built a reputation as a leading tax policy advocate.   She is widely known for founding and leading Jersey First, a non-profit organization with the mission to educate and advocate for policy solutions to lower taxes, reduce government spending and help put the Garden State’s economy back on track.  Rosemary began championing for lower taxes on families with her work on writing the 529 College Savings Law to help families afford college.

While Rosemary has achieved a highly successful professional career, her family has always been her priority. Rosemary and her husband, Scott, are often found at their three daughters’ hockey games, dance practice, or preparing for her weekly Sunday dinners with her sister, brother, niece and nephews.

New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District is a suburban district in northern New Jersey. The district includes portions of Essex, Morris, Passaic , and Sussex Counties; it is centered in Morris County. The district is one of the 10 most affluent congressional districts in the United States.

Essex County: Bloomfield (part; also 10th), Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Montclair (part; also 10th), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell, West Orange (part; also 10th).

Morris County: Boonton Town, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph Township, Riverdale, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township and Victory Gardens.

Passaic County: Bloomingdale, Little Falls, North Haledon, Pompton Lakes, Totowa, Wanaque, Wayne and Woodland Park.

Sussex County: Byram Township, Hopatcong, Ogdensburg, Sparta Township and Stanhope.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will hold a regular meeting tonight,  Tuesday, January 21 at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.  The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. and portions of the meeting is open for public comments.

PARSIPPANY — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar presents a check for $108,590 to Ramon Perez, Staff Sergeant, United States Marine Corps, who accepted the donation on behalf of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, the charity which distributes toys to underprivileged children to provide a tangible sign of hope to as many economically disadvantaged children as possible at Christmas.

On December 7, 2019 Applebee’s locations throughout New Jersey, including Parsippany, hosted a Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa event were donated directly to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. This event marked the 21 year Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns more than 96 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia have raised over $4.8 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to more than 230,000 deserving children. In total, Doherty Enterprises raised $226,235 for the Marina Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program from Breakfast with Santa events in New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia.

In New Jersey, Applebee’s is located in Parsippany, Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Totowa, Union, and Wall.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 59th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business, the 28th largest privately-held company in New Jersey byNJBIZ and the 15th  largest franchisee in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, and operates six restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In 2018, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 150 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, on Long Island, as well as locations throughout Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and sections of Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.”

 About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood. As of March 31, 2019, there were 1,830 franchise and company-owned restaurants in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and 13 other countries. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots, a 71-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season.  The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime.  It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community.  Last year the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7 million less fortunate children in 800 communities nationwide.  Since 1947 over 251 million children have been assisted. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.  For more information, visitwww.toysfortots.org.