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Pennacchio calls for enacting important anti-bullying legislation

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio calls for enacting important anti-bullying legislation

MORRIS COUNTY — After a recent television news investigation into school bullying found the danger may be more prevalent than state statistics show, Senator Joe Pennacchio urged the General Assembly to pass his Mallory’s Law legislation bolstering New Jersey’s anti-bullying statutes.

The News 12 New Jersey report indicates school districts may be significantly under-reporting bullying cases. One district reported nine incidents to the state in three years, while school board minutes showed 27 in the same period.

“We need to stop this nonsense and prevent the under-reporting of bullying that is going on, and my bill will help do that,” said Pennacchio, whose bipartisan bill (S3433) passed the Senate in June with unanimous support, although the Assembly version has not moved. “We’re going to force schools to keep better records.”

The bill requires written reports be filed on numbered forms developed by the Department of Education, and requires school districts to provide parents with an online form for reporting harassment, intimidation or bullying. After a report is filed, principals must submit the form to the school superintendent, the executive county superintendent, and the parents of students involved.

According to the News 12 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention find each year one in five students are bullied at school. New Jersey’s numbers are just one in 200, and 174 school districts, with 88,000 students, reported no bullying at all.

“This investigation makes a strong case for enacting Mallory’s Law as soon as possible,” said Pennacchio. “It’s obvious we can’t trust self-reporting by the school districts. We must be more concerned about the welfare of our children than the reputations of our schools.

“For the sake of our children, I urge the Assembly to pass this bill, and the governor to sign it into law as soon as possible.”

The legislation – named for Mallory Grossman, a 12-year-old bullying victim from Rockaway who committed suicide in 2017 – strengthens the state’s Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, signed into law in 2010 and considered one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the nation. Under the bill, each school district’s anti-bullying policy must include specific penalties for bullying, and ensures school officials take preventative actions before tragedy strikes.

“We must do more to protect kids now that texting and social media make bullying possible 24/7. By requiring school and county officials to address bullying situations before an incident escalates, Mallory’s Law can help prevent the loss of more young lives,” Pennacchio said, noting that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14.

Morris County Park Commission Receives Prestigious Grant

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Park Commission Receives Prestigious Grant

MORRIS COUNTY — The National Endowment for the Humanities announced its award to the Morris County Park Commission of the prestigious Preservation Assistance Grant for their project, ‘Sustainable Management of Collections Environments with Limited Controls.’

This $10,000 award will support the assessment and monitoring of storage environments for collections maintained in three Morris County Park Commission sites. Maintaining optimal collections environments is a key to the long-term preservation of Morris County’s valuable artifacts, but for many historic structures with limited controls, there have not been many options to intervene.

Working in partnership with the Image Permanence Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology the Morris County Park Commission can now explore sustainable and low-cost solutions for maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity conditions for artifacts in buildings without HVAC, and in some cases, no electricity. The grant funds will support a three-day site visit to assess and survey 10 buildings with varying environmental controls. It will also support the purchase of e-Climate Notebook monitoring equipment, and the training of staff in using this data analysis software.

According to Melanie Bump, Curator of Collections and Exhibits of the Morris County Park Commission, “This award is important to the people of Morris County as valuable assets, which include a collection of artifacts relating to the 300 years of Morris County history, will be preserved.”

She added, “It will also inform new sustainable practices in environmental management of collections storage, impacting collections stewardship around the world.”

Dave Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission, added,  “We should celebrate that Morris County received this most competitive and sought-after grant as it demonstrates the critical importance of this project and the Park Commission’s stewardship responsibility of local, regional and even national historical and cultural artifacts.

The National Endowment for the Humanities received 102 eligible applications, and 45 Preservation Assistance Grants were awarded across the country. The Morris County Park Commission is one of only two institutions in this year New Jersey to receive this grant, and were funded at the full amount. The Endowment awards grants to top rated proposals examined by panels of independent, external reviewers. There are four levels of review before a grant is officially supported, including a final review by the NEH chairman.

Cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges and universities, public television, and to individual scholars are all eligible for grant funding through the NEH.

Kelley Zienowicz promoted to Chief Morris County Sheriff’s Officer

Frank L. Cahill
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Kelley Zienowicz promoted to Chief Morris County Sheriff’s Officer

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon has selected Kelley Zienowicz as the person to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future.

Kelley Zienowicz, a graduate of the elite FBI National Academy, will be promoted to the rank of Chief Morris County Sheriff’s Officer, the highest-level Officer position in the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement.

Chief Zienowicz’s promotion will formally take place on Tuesday, September 3, during a swearing-in ceremony, making her the highest-ranking woman in the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the sole female chief in Morris County.

“I am so proud to announce the promotion of Kelley Zienowicz to Chief Sheriff’s Officer of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff James M. Gannon said.

“Chief Zienowicz has a temperament that motivates and energizes others. She is highly-educated, a graduate of the elite FBI National Academy, and a true leader with an impeccable work ethic.”

“With Chief Zienowicz at the helm of day-to-day operations overseeing all divisions in the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement, we will accomplish great things which the people of Morris County deserve,” Sheriff Gannon said.

“Not only am I proud to have the backing of the Sheriff, I know this is an important time for the agency as a whole. I hope to bring positive motivation to the agency, from the top to the bottom,” Chief Zienowicz said.

As Chief, she will be responsible for management and day-to-day oversight over the Bureau of Law Enforcement’s four divisions: Support Services, Protective Services, Legal Services, and Special Services, which includes the Crime Lab and Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Chief Zienowicz – who has received multiple awards, including the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award – will be promoted to Chief from her previous rank of Detective Lieutenant.

Chief Zienowicz grew up in Chester and attended Villa Walsh Academy. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Boston College in 1999, and a master of arts degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College in New York City in 2003.
She began her career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 1999 as a civilian clerk-typist assigned to the Internal Affairs Section. Within a year, she was hired as a Sheriff’s Investigator and in 2001, she attended and completed training at the Morris County Police Academy.

Chief Zienowicz was first assigned to the Protective Services Division, which provides security and judicial protection at the courthouse complex.

In August 2001, she was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Section – now called Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) – and spent 11 years in the Unit, assisting in multiple criminal investigations throughout Morris County.

She was called as a witness for the prosecution in several high-profile criminal cases in Superior Court between 2003 and 2014. She was qualified as an expert fingerprint witness in the sexual assault trial and retrial of Andrew Pena, and testified about evidence in the murder trials of Jose Feliciano, convicted of murdering the Rev. Edward Hinds in Chatham in 2009; Anthony Novellino, convicted of killing his former wife, Judith, in Denville; and Carlos Rojas, found guilty of bludgeoning Esteban Hernandez Vazquez and leaving his body in the trunk of a car abandoned in Lincoln Park.

Chief Zienowicz was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in April 2012 and assigned to the Legal Services Division as the Executions and Foreclosure Section Supervisor. That promotion was followed on March 1, 2016, by another advancement to the rank of Detective Lieutenant.

She was assigned the post of Division Commander in the Administrative Division, overseeing Internal Affairs and the Special Operations Section. She then was transferred to the Protective Services Division in September 2016, where she oversaw the courthouse complex and operations and security at the Dover Probation Office.

One of her most profound pleasures was her nomination to attend the 273rd Session of the prestigious FBI National Academy, a 10-week course of study in Quantico, Virginia, in the summer of 2018. Sheriff Gannon, who backed the nomination, is an FBI National Academy Graduate, as well.
The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers who are nominated by their agency heads because of their demonstrated leadership abilities. The program provides coursework on intelligence theory, terrorism, terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, communication and forensic science to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies.

Upon returning from the FBI National Academy, Chief Zienowicz in September 2018 was transferred to the Special Services Division, overseeing CSI, Evidence Section, and the Bomb Unit.

Assisting in the implementation of new technologies at the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Zienowicz was a member of the Evidence Unit start-up team for the BEAST evidence tracking system, guided implementation of the CivilServe civil process database system in the Executions and Foreclosure Unit, and coordinated use of the new Computer Aided Dispatch System within the Protective Services Division.

Chief Zienowicz has logged a voluminous number of hours on training, including intensive courses on crash reconstruction, supervision of police personnel, shooting analysis and reconstruction, and interpretation of bloodstain patterns.

She has received the Sheriff’s Achievement Award, Exceptional Duty Award, Unit Citation Medal, Professional Service Medal, Educational Achievement Medal-Masters Degree, Morris County Detective’s Association Distinguished Achievement Unit Award, and the NJ Women in Law Enforcement Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award, which is awarded to women who achieve a law enforcement rank of lieutenant or higher.

Chief Zienowicz is a three-time Police Unity Tour rider and participates annually in the Special Olympics Torch Run.

County College of Morris to Hold Professional Education Open House

Frank L. Cahill
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County College of Morris to Hold Professional Education Open House

MORRIS COUNTY — Whether it’s getting a job, obtaining a better job or getting better at the job you’re in, County College of Morris (CCM) is here to help individuals achieve their career goals. The Center for Workforce Development at CCM will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The Open House takes place in the Student Community Center’s Davidson Rooms, 214 Center Grove Road, in Randolph. The Open House provides an opportunity to meet instructors and staff, learn about education and training opportunities, sign up for courses and receive answers to questions pertaining to the courses and industry needs.

During the Open House, informational career workshops will be offered for free. At 10:00 a.m., it’s Strategies To Land Your New Job, Emerging Trends in Technology; and at 11:00 a.m., Data Analytics – Skill Set of the Future and Strategies to Land Your New Job.

CCM has been serving the greater Morris County region for over 50 years, including offering workforce development programs and customized training for businesses. Thousands of individuals each year are trained through these programs by leading industry experts.

CCM offers a variety of non-credit training, courses and certificates in the areas of Information Technology and Computer Training, Business Programs, Health Occupations Professional Development, English Language Learning, Career Education for Businesses and Professionals, and Online Learning.

To learn more about courses being offered through the Center for Workforce Development click here.

Morris County’s 64 Victims to be honored at 9-11 Remembrance

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County’s 64 Victims to be honored at 9-11 Remembrance

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Board of Freeholders will hold the 18th Annual Remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against our nation on Sunday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m.

The ceremony will be take place at the Morris County September 11th Memorial on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany, near the Morris View Healthcare Center and Morris County Public Safety Academy. It will be held rain or shine.

Welles Crowther

Alison Crowther and Honor Crowther Fagan, the mother and sister of Welles Crowther (“Man in the Red Bandana”), who gave his life to save others at the World Trade Center on 9/11, will speak at the event.

The county’s 9/11 event will include a march with a color guard up West Hanover Avenue to the 9/11 Memorial by police, fire, rescue and emergency personnel from across Morris County. They will be led by flag bearer Expedito C. Santillan, father of the late Maria Theresa Santillan of Morris Plains, who perished on 9/11.

The observance will include a special invocation, a lighting of candles, reading of the names of each of the Morris County victims, a 21-gun salute, keynote remarks, and music by the Morris Choral Society, Bethel AME Church of Morristown Ensemble, and Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County.

“It is an honor to have the Crowther family at the Morris County 9/11 Remembrance this year,” said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “We gather at the county memorial each year on the anniversary of 9/11 to recall every single one of the nearly 3,000 innocent people who were lost to our nation that day, like Welles Crowther, and that includes 64 of our Morris County residents, plus so many police, fire, EMT and other rescue workers.”

“We want their families and friends to know their loved ones are not forgotten, that we will never forget their sacrifices,” Freeholder Cabana added.

Welles Remy Crowther was a 24-year-old rookie investment banker working on the 104th floor of the South Tower at WTC when the attacks occurred on 9/11. Using training he received as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown, he rescued other workers trapped in the burning tower.

He was last seen working with members of the FDNY just before the South Tower collapsed.

Crowther became known as the “Man in the Red Bandana’’ for the red handkerchief he wore as a protective mask while taking on the role of rescuer. His story has been told in the documentary film, Man in the Red Bandana. Click here.

The Rockland County, N.Y. resident is annually honored by his alma mater, Boston College; he posthumously was named an honorary New York City firefighter; and his efforts were cited by President Barack Obama in the 2014 dedication of the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Click here.

Morris County’s September 11th Memorial pays tribute to all of those who died in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C., on September 11, 2001, with a special emphasis on the 64 victims from Morris County whose names are etched in plaques affixed to the Memorial.

The names of all of the nearly 3,000 people who died that day are engraved in ruby-colored paving stones that have been set in the ground as a walkway surrounding the Memorial.

Since seating at the Memorial is limited, the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the outdoor observance. Parking will be available at the Morris County Department of Human Services building at 340 West Hanover Avenue, in Morris Township – directly across from the Academy. Shuttle buses will be available to transport those in need the short distance to the Memorial.

For more information click here.

School Supplies Available for Parsippany Students

Frank L. Cahill
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School Supplies Available for Parsippany Students

PARSIPPANY — You don’t need a fancy calculator to figure out that back-to-school shopping can put a major strain on your family’s finances. The National Retail Federation reports that the average family spends close to $700 on back-to-school shopping every year. Between the costs of clothes, backpacks and school supplies, it’s easy to see how it all adds up.

But sometimes there’s not enough room in the family budget to buy even the basics for students. With children living in low-income and impoverished households, many parents will struggle to buy every item on the list.  They will have to make unfair choices like whether to buy school supplies or groceries, or the electric bill or needed prescriptions.

For families who need them, free school supplies are available through Parsippany Human Services. Any Parsippany student needing school supplies is suggested to call (973) 263-7163.

They have many of the essentials available: backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, glue and many other items.

The Parsippany Human Services is located at 1130 Knoll Road.

Schools open soon; Don’t pass that school bus!

Frank L. Cahill
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Schools open soon; Don’t pass that school bus!

MORRIS COUNTY — Late for work? Going to miss that important meeting? Whatever you do, don’t pass that school bus!

The time that it takes you to wait behind it for all of the children to get on or off is far less than the amount of frustration a ticket for improperly passing a school bus will cause you.

Ultimately, if convicted you can be facing a lot more than you bargained for.

School buses are equipped with yellow, amber or red flashing lights. Yellow or amber lights before the bus stops, and red lights go on when it has stopped. Do not depend on these lights if traveling behind a school bus. These lights could be malfunctioning.

With Back-to-School a week away, motorists need to understand how flashing lights on a yellow school bus is supposed to work.

It’s real simple: You have to stop. And stay stopped.

The only exceptions are when a physical barrier divides a highway or when a bus is parked next to a school — and even then, you’re supposed to slow to a crawl.

As the bus approaches its stop, it flashes its yellow lights and pulls out its stop sign from the driver’s side. The traffic in the two lanes behind the bus stop and wait.

New Jersey State law requires vehicles stop at least 25 feet from the bus, even if you’re on the opposite side of the road or there’s a passing lane. Vehicles have to remain stopped until all students have enter onto the bus or exited off the bus and move to a safe location.

On a divided roadway, vehicles on the opposite side don’t have to stop but they have to slow down to 10 mph.

If the bus is parked on the same side of the street as a school, cars on either side of the road can pass at 10 mph.

In New Jersey the fines and penalties for violating this law are stiff. You will be charged with NJSA 39:4-128.1.

If you get convicted of improperly passing a school bus, five points will go on your driving record. Not only that, but you also will face a minimum fine of $100. Moreover, you can be compelled to serve up to 15 days in jail or do 15 days of community service.

Lastly, an insurance carrier will look at this as if you put children at risk. Thus, they will likely label you as a careless driver and your auto insurance rate will go through the roof.

Family Bagels is officially closed for business

Frank L. Cahill
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Family Bagels is officially closed for business

PARSIPPANY — Family Bagels, 182 Parsippany Road, Greenhills Shopping Plaza, is officially closed.

An order of “Eviction Notice to Tenants” was recently posted on their door. The order was issued by Morris County, Law Division, Special Civil Part, effective August 22, 2019 for non-payment of rent.

The responsible parties on the lease were Loretta A. Waters-Falco, Pellechio, Jr., and Family Bagels, Inc.

Family Bagels also known as “Parsippany Bagel & Deli Home Of the Jersey Shore Sub” opened in the summer of 2018, in the former location of Mama Louisa’s Deli. Parsippany Focus was unsuccessful in reaching the owners to find out if they were planning on reopening. Sources in the shopping center told Parsippany Focus that Family Bagels is permanently closed.

The place was doomed from the beginning by reading the Yelp reviews. David d from Parsippany said “This place is awful. I stopped by to grab a quick Taylor Ham, egg and cheese on a plain bagel; which I’ve gotten literally my entirely life.  It took 20-25 minutes, the bagel was tiny and no joke, I thought it was a lender’s bagel, and the sandwich was not even hot when I got it. Throw in the fact that the workers were unapologetic about the wait; it was simply the worst  bagel experience I’ve had. I actually was SHOCKED  because this isn’t rocket science.” Another reviewer David B. from Mendham said “Here’s where the failure is now. After walking in and seeing nothing on the walls regarding their food, and the place basically looking desolate, I approach the counter. A younger girl (25-28 age range maybe) with dark hair looks at me and rudely says, “what do you want?” I ask for a menu to which she responds, “it’s right there in front of you”, and walks away. So, I will walk away as well. Perhaps when this place has completed their renovations (if that is in the cards), they can next focus on friendly customer service. Won’t be returning.”

Parsippany resident Samuel Piccola arrested for CDS

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany resident Samuel Piccola arrested for CDS

PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, August 18,  Hanover Township Sergeant Anthony Vitanza arrested Mr. Samuel Piccola,  34, Parsippany, and Ms. Leah Klotzke, 30, residing at the America’s Best Value Inn for Disorderly behavior and Possession of CDS.

Sgt. Vitanza along with several Hanover officer’s, responded to the America Best Value Inn for a possible fight in the parking lot.

Upon arrival, witness provided a detailed description of the what transpired and advised that Mr. Piccola was threatening violence against several occupants of the hotel. A brief investigation resulted in Mr. Piccola and Ms. Klotzke being arrested and transported to Hanover Township Police Headquarters for processing.

Mr. Piccola was charged with Disorderly conduct and was released. Ms. Klotzke was charged with Possession of CDs and Drug paraphernalia.

She was transported to the county jail pending her court date.

Parsippany’s Gordon Meth Named Governor of NJ District Kiwanis

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s Gordon Meth Named Governor of NJ District Kiwanis

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany’s Gordon Meth was sworn as New Jersey District Governor at the 102nd NJ District Kiwanis Convention held in Princeton on Saturday, August 24.

Meth has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for fourteen years. He is also a member of three other Kiwanis clubs.

He served as Lieutenant Governor for Division 9 from 2011-2014, Governor Elect for 2014-2015, Governor for 2015-2016, and Immediate Past Governor since.

Professionally, Meth is an expert witness on Civil Engineering matters for Robson Forensic.

Originally from Canada he moved to New Jersey 23 years ago. Gordon and his wife, Suzanne, has two teenage sons, one of whom will be attending NJIT next month, and one who is very active in Key Club at Parsippany High School.

Everyone who has served on the New Jersey District Board with Gordon knows that he believes strongly in benchmarks and data. Simply put, he believes that that which isn’t measured is rarely improved.

Nicolas Limanov, Carol Tiesi, Michael Mulhaul, Gordon Meth, Karen Gajewski and Frank Cahill proudly displays the “Home Club” banner. The banner was turned over to Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany from outgoing Governor’s Home Club, Glen Ridge.

Meth also believes that the Kiwanis Student Leadership Programs (Key Club, Circle K, Builders Club, K-Kids Club, and Aktion Club) are the best gift back to society, due to the social responsibility and leadership skills Kiwanis provides.

Meth wanted to be Governor again because as a Lieutenant Governor, he didn’t really hit his stride until his second year! Meth was far more effective being able to hit the ground running. Having been Governor only two years ago and having been on the District Board for the past seven years straight, his knowledge is still fresh! One of his priorities will be to start a program for future Kiwanis Leaders, so that they can be trained and begin working together long before they are thrust into leadership positions.

Meth also wants to introduce substantial new blood into out various committees at the District level, train new leadership and get fresh ideas flowing. He plans to have a Growth Summit for clubs below charter strength and develop a tool box and training to help them grow and expand their membership.

Lt. Governor Elect, District 9, Frank Cahill; NJ District Governor Gordon Meth; Lt. Governor, District 9, Caro Tiesi and Kiwanis International Trustee Candidate Michael Mulhaul

Also during the Convention, other Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members were sworn in.  Carol Tiesi was sworn in as Lt. Governor, District 9 and Frank Cahill was sworn in as Lt. Governor Elect, District 9.  Also Michael Mulhaul received the nomination from New Jersey District to run for International Trustee to be held in Indianapolis in June 2020.

 

Scouts BSA Troop 72 holding annual popcorn fundraisers

Frank L. Cahill
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Scouts BSA Troop 72 holding annual popcorn fundraisers

PARSIPPANY — Scouts BSA Troop 72 serves the youth of the Parsippany area, both boys and girls, between the ages of 11 and 18.

To provide the best program possible, and keep scouting affordable, scouts participate in an annual popcorn fundraiser. One of the points of the scout law is “A Scout is Thrifty – A Scout works to pay his way own way.” and members of Troop 72 will be selling popcorn at the locations and times below. The Scouts BSA program helps boys and girls become better citizens and leaders through a year round outdoor program. These young scouts all have the ability to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

September 7 – Walmart Cedar Knolls – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
September 7 –  St. Ann’s Church Parsippany after 5:00 p.m. Mass
September 8 – St. Ann’s Church Parsippany after 8:00a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses
September 14 – IHOP Parsippany 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
September 14 – St. Christopher’s Church Parsippany after 5:00 p.m. Mass
September 15 – St. Christopher’s Church Parsippany after every Mass 7:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
September 21 – Quick Check Parsippany 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
September 22 – Quick Check Parsippany 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
September 28 – Walmart Boonton 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
October 12 – Acme Boonton 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 12 – WaWa Parsippany 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m.
October 13 – Acme Denville 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
October 13 – WaWa Parsippany 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During the school year (except holiday weeks) Troop 72 meets every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at All Saints Academy.

For additional information about Scouts BSA Troop 72, visit one of the sales, or email recruiting@parsippanytroop72.org.

PACC Member of the Month: Katelyn Tiernan – American Cancer Society

Frank L. Cahill
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PACC Member of the Month: Katelyn Tiernan – American Cancer Society

Every month, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce honors one of its own by selecting a Member of the Month. Members are selected for a variety of reasons. Some are businesses celebrating special anniversaries. Others are honored for long-time service to the community or their great charitable work. And still others are simply deserving of special recognition for being an active member of our ever-growing Chamber family. If you or someone you know is a prime candidate for Chamber Member of the Month, please fill out a nomination form available by clicking here, or contact Board Member Alan S. Golub, Esq. via e-mail at agolub@feinsuch.com.

PACC Member of the Month – August 2019
American Cancer Society, Inc. | Northeast Region
7 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 103
Cedar Knolls, NJ
Chamber Contact: Katelyn Tiernan, Senior Community Development Manager
(973) 285-8040
katelyn.tiernan@cancer.org
www.cancer.org

If you’ve ever come to a PACC Juice Up Your Morning networking event, you’ve probably met Katelyn Tiernan. Even though her organization, the American Cancer Society, only joined the PACC in early 2019, Katelyn has made it to nearly all of our monthly Juice Up meetings, usually with another one of her colleagues in tow. Why the need for such a dedicated presence?

Simply put, for the past several years, Katelyn has been laser-focused on getting the word out about the free programs and services made available to cancer patients and their families by the American Cancer Society, including but not limited to:

  • The Road to Recovery program, which provides cancer patients with free transportation to and from their treatment appointments, is but one example of the American Cancer Society’s hands-on approach to providing solutions, easing burdens, and making difficult things easier for cancer patients and their families.
  • Hope Lodge & Hotel Partners – Hope Lodge is the organization’s own brand of 30 lodges around the country. Each Hope Lodge offers cancer patients and their caregivers a free place to stay when their best hope for effective treatment may be in another city. Hope Lodge provides a nurturing, home-like environment where guests can retreat to private rooms or connect with others. Every Hope Lodge also offers a variety of resources and information about cancer and how best to fight the disease. And for those who must travel to cities that don’t have a Hope Lodge, the American Cancer Society has partnered with hotel chains around the country to provide free or discounted accommodations.
  • The National Cancer Information Center offers help by connecting patients, families, and friends dealing with a cancer diagnosis to caring and expertly trained staff to answer questions, identify resources, offer health insurance assistance, and provide a listening ear and guidance. The service can be reached by phone at 1-800-227-2345, or live chat via the cancer.org website.
  • Since 1946 the American Cancer Society has funded more than $4.8 billion in cancer research. As of August 1, 2019, the American Cancer Society is funding 67 million dollars in just breast cancer research grants, shared among over 160 different breast cancer research projects.

As a Senior Community Development Manager, Katelyn is not only responsible for getting the word out to the local community about these and other resources, but she also oversees the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Parsippany, NJ. Making Strides is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation and unites more than 1.2 million passionate participants around the country in a 3-to-5-mile, non-competitive walk to honor those touched by the disease and raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.

This year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Parsippany Walk will be held on October 20th at 4 Century Drive in Parsippany. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., the opening ceremonies commence at 8:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 10:00 a.m.

Last year, the Parsippany walk hosted over 10,000 community members and raised over $711,000! Sadly, there is always more work to do. This year, over 271,000 women and men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 42,0000 will die due to breast cancer. That is why Katelyn is working so hard to make this year’s Making Strides walk the biggest and most successful walk yet!

To help make that happen, Katelyn and the American Cancer Society are asking all PACC members to consider participating in this year’s event. There are many ways to help, from becoming a sponsor, to volunteering to help at the event, to leading your own fundraising team to walk the event, any and all help is very much needed and appreciated.

To register to participate in the event, or to just learn more about it, click here or contact Katelyn directly via e-mail at katelyn.tiernan@cancer.org

For their amazing and tireless efforts on behalf of cancer patients and their caregivers, families, and friends, the American Cancer Society is our August 2019 PACC Member of the Month!

Freeholder Heather Darling, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Hanover Committee Chairperson Barbara Freda, Board Member Alan Golub, Katlyn, President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill

Member of the Month’s Q&A of the Month
Provided by Katelyn Tiernan, American Cancer Society, Inc. | Northeast Region

Q:         As someone who has dedicated her career to promoting awareness and fundraising for an important cause, what is the best marketing advice you can give to someone just starting out?

A:         Be your most authentic self. Engage and listen. It’s a conversation, and maybe a long-term one during which you are hopefully building a relationship. If you are too “sales-y” right off the bat, it can be a big turn off, especially in large networking groups where everyone is hoping to make valuable business connections. Sure, everyone is there for the same reason – but that’s all the more reason to dial it back a little and get to know people with a genuine, sincere connection. In my experience, those connections have served me far better than those born of a hard, aggressive sell.

 

Letter to the editor: EQUALITY DAY

Frank L. Cahill
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Dear Editor:

Ninety nine years ago today the 19th amendment was ratified and adopted after Tennessee became the 36th state to vote in favor of the amendment, the high point of a decade’s long struggle in this great nation, and a millennia long fight across the world.

Ninety nine years ago today, the right to vote was restored to women in this county, bringing with it promise and opportunity to succeed and stand as the equals we are. The suffragists had won; no more second class citizens, but voters all. I am proud to say that New Jersey’s own Alice Paul was one of the leaders who made it happen, organizing the Silent Sentinels, a continuous protest for over two years outside the gates of the White House. Not a single word was heard from these women who had had their voices silenced, who were abused at the hands of their fellow citizens and the government sworn to protect them.

Alice and her friends were arrested and held in squalid conditions for weeks, they were held in solitary, force fed, and beaten by over forty guards. Their heads were smashed against walls, and when they were done, chained them up standing in their cells overnight, all for the crime of wanting the vote, for demanding their rights as American citizens.

Their efforts and sacrifices won them, and all women today, victory in the end. We won the vote, but the story for New Jersey doesn’t end there. I am proud to say that just one year later Margaret Laird and Jennie Van Ness became the first two women elected the New Jersey State Assembly as Republicans. Mary Norton beat my party here in New Jersey to the House four years later, becoming the first female democrat elected there (our friends in Montana have the honor of electing the first woman to any federal office with Jeannette Rankin, (R).

Ninety Nine years of the vote, and over one hundred and thirty different representatives during that time period; but only seven women. Rep. Norton (D), Rep. Florence Dwyer (R), Helen Meyner (D), Rep. Millicent Fenwick (R), Rep. Marge Roukema (R), and current Reps. Bonnie Coleman (D) and Mikie Sherrill (D).

I am honored to stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before me, to stand in the shade of the trees they planted but they had only just begun to see. It is my duty and pleasure to follow in their example. When I was elected Freeholder it marked the first time the board had more women than men serving on it. On November 5th, if the good people of Morris County see fit to elect me to the office, I will be the first woman to hold the office of Surrogate in Morris County.

Ninety Nine years from today I can only hope that our daughters are in Town Halls and in the boardroom of business across the county in numbers far greater than seven for every one hundred and thirty. Not because it was given to them, but because they stood on our shoulders and earned those positions for themselves, and because today we continue building the foundation for their success in the way only this great country can.

God Bless those early Suffragists for making it possible for me, and women throughout the Nation to not only vote but to stand as your representatives today, and God Bless.

Heather J. Darling
Deputy Director of the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders
and Candidate for Morris County Surrogate

Raccoon on Fox Hill Road tested positive for Rabies

Frank L. Cahill
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Raccoon on Fox Hill Road tested positive for Rabies

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany Troy-Hills Health Department was notified that a raccoon found on Hardwick Court and a raccoon on Fox Hill Road has tested positive for the Rabies virus.

Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.

Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats.  You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know.  Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS.  Do not make pets of wild animals.  Be certain that your dog is properly licensed, vaccinated and up to date on their rabies vaccination. If you know of any stray cats, or dogs or any other animal in the area acting strangely, please contact the Parsippany Animal Control at (973) 263-7083.
Please keep garbage in a container with a tight fitting lid to prevent attracting animals. Clean up spilled bird seed. Do not leave pet food out for extended time periods.

If you are exposed (either bitten or scratched) by any suspected animal; please act promptly.  Immediately wash the bite wound with soap and water and call your physician and the Health Department.  If your pet is bitten or in a fight with a wild animal, please contact the Parsippany Health Department at (973)-263-7160 and your Veterinarian.

Pennacchio Votes Against Flawed Vote-by-Mail Bill

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Votes Against Flawed Vote-by-Mail Bill

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) voted against flawed vote-by-mail legislation saying the measure fails to address the significant issue of voter fraud.

Senator Joe Pennacchio

“The vote-by-mail expansion that we were here to fix was flawed for more reasons than those recently identified by the Secretary of State,” said Pennacchio. “Voter fraud is very real in New Jersey, and much of that fraud centers on ballots not cast in a polling place. This legislation does nothing to prevent illegal aliens from voting or to stop campaign operatives from illegally registering people, collecting ballots, and rigging elections.”

Pennacchio offered amendments to the legislation (S-4069) on the Senate floor that would increase the penalties for certain crimes involving voting and voting processes.

Pennacchio’s amendment would have raised those to crimes of the second degree with significantly increased penalties.

“Since the vote-by-mail expansion was enacted, we’ve seen a number of cases of voter fraud move through our state’s judicial system,” said Pennacchio. “It’s clear that current penalties are not an effective deterrent. We need to make the crime of subverting our elections serious enough that nobody will want to risk the penalties for breaking the law.”

Democrats immediately tabled his amendment.

“It’s inexplicable that the Democratic majority would block an effort to protect the integrity of elections in New Jersey,” added Pennacchio. “Until we act to secure our elections, we’ll continue to be at increased risk of voter fraud.”

National Guard veterans can now receive county benefits

Frank L. Cahill
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National Guard veterans can now receive county benefits

MORRIS COUNTY — Veterans who served in the National Guard are finally able to use the guard’s discharge form to obtain a county veterans ID card after legislation was signed by the governor.

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce

Assemblyman Sean Kean and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce sponsored the bill (S2538/A3455) making it easier for retired Guard members to access county military benefits. It passed the Assembly in June after passing the Senate in July 2018.

“It should be an easy process for these brave men and women to obtain a veterans identification card or the veterans designation on their license,” said Kean (R-Monmouth). “This law ensures veterans of the National Guard who have NGB-22 forms are eligible for the benefits they earned.”

According to the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, there are more than 8,300 Army and Air guardsmen in New Jersey.

“New Jersey takes great pride in the programs and services available to our veterans,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Former members of the guard should be able to take advantage of them, too. This makes it easier for them to get the benefits they need.”

Murphy Launches Year Two of Community College Opportunity Grant Program

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Launches Year Two of Community College Opportunity Grant Program

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy visited Middlesex County College, alongside Speaker Craig Coughlin, Executive Director David Socolow of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), and Deputy Secretary Diana Gonzalez of the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), to encourage students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application for New Jersey DREAMers by September 15 in order to be eligible for a Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG).

To receive free tuition through CCOG starting in the fall 2019 semester, all students planning to attend a New Jersey county college must meet the September 15 deadline to complete either FAFSA or the Alternative Application for New Jersey DREAMers and respond to all financial aid questions from HESAA or the college they are attending. Students with adjusted gross incomes between $0 and $65,000 may qualify to attend any of New Jersey’s 18 county colleges tuition-free during the upcoming academic year. Qualifying county college students who enroll in at least six credits per semester during the fall of 2019 and/or the spring of 2020 will be eligible for Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) awards funded by the Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriations Act signed by Governor Murphy.

CCOG scholarships will fill in remaining gaps to cover tuition and approved educational fees after accounting for all other grant and scholarship aid for which the students are eligible. Students who have already completed a financial aid application for academic year 2019-2020 will be considered automatically for CCOG eligibility.

Everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue his or her dreams whether you are a recent high school graduate or an older student changing your career, said Murphy. Our community colleges play a critical role in helping our students build the skill sets they need to meet the demands of a growing and diverse 21st-century economy. CCOG grants provides a pathway to success for both our students and our state as a whole.

“Touring Middlesex County college today was a great opportunity to highlight the efforts of our 2-year college institutions throughout the state,” said Speaker Coughlin. “New Jersey has some of the premier institutions of higher education in the country. We are preparing future generations to compete in an ever evolving workforce and achieve their career goals. Helping families and students decrease the potential for student debt after college is a priority.  Encouraging everyone to fill out a FAFSA Application is essential to keeping college costs down for New Jersey residents.”

Every New Jerseyan, regardless of life circumstances, should have the opportunity to obtain a high-quality credential that prepares them for life after college. Expanding the Community College Opportunity Grant brings our state one step closer to achieving this vision by enabling us to serve more of New Jersey’s community college students, said Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis.

During my spring graduation tour of New Jersey’s colleges, I heard over and over from students for whom free tuition made it possible for them to afford college. I’m excited we are able to continue and expand this fantastic opportunity.

We are delighted to expand this vital program that will help more county college students succeed,said David Socolow, Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Because CCOG is designed as a last-dollar scholarship, participating students must first apply for all other federal, state, and institutional financial aid grants. As we approach the crucial September 15 application deadline, HESAA is working with county colleges across the state to reach students and help them complete the financial aid forms they need to qualify for free tuition and approved educational fees.

Over 300 Middlesex County College students participated in the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program in the spring 2019 semester, including many who would not have been able to attend if not for CCOG, said Mark McCormick, President of Middlesex County College. “I believe that CCOG is an investment in our students as they earn an associate degree or industry credential that leads to a career with family-supporting wages.”

For detailed information on program parameters and eligibility criteria click here.

Rainbow Lakes hero given award as CPR saved man’s life

Frank L. Cahill
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Rainbow Lakes hero given award as CPR saved man’s life

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 4, 2019, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services  and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police units were dispatched to the area of 886 Tabor Road for an unconscious person. While enroute the emergency personnel were that bystander was performing CPR.

Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services Unit 1 arrived within two minutes of the dispatch, and immediately administered a defibrillation and continued CPR. St. Clare’s Paramedics arrived minutes later. By the time they departed for Morristown Hospital, the patient was conscious and talking.

The patient, John Starger, made a full recovery because of the efforts of the civilians and emergency responders.

The chain of survival, as deemed by the American Heart Association, starts with bystander CPR, activation of the 911 system, early EMS intervention, and transport to the appropriate facility.

Rainbow Lakes resident John Mikorski was the first person on the scene. John was traveling down Tabor Road, and saw the patient lying in the front yard of number 886 Tabor Road. John immediately stopped, and began CPR.

Morris County Business Administrator John Bonanni also stopped to help, and immediately called 911.

At the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting of Tuesday, August 20, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services Chief Dean Snook and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano presented all the life-savers with “Certificates of Appreciation.”

Also receiving Certificates of Appreciation were Morris County Business Administrator John Bonanni; Kim Conklin (off duty Nurse, also stopped and assisted Mr. Mikorski with CPR); Par-Troy Supervisor EMT Brandon Nothstine; St. Clare’s Paramedics and Paramedic John Miller; and Mobile Intensive Care Nurse Elizabeth McDowell. (not pictured)

 

Parsippany holds “Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising Ceremony”

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany holds “Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising Ceremony”

PARSIPPANY — Over a hundred residents of all nationalities celebrated the “Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising Ceremony” held at Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building on Saturday, August 17.

The event was hosted by Mayor Michael Soriano and the Indian-American Seniors Association of Morris County. Raj Patel, President – Indian American Senior Association began the program with opening remarks.

The raising of the American Flag was completed by Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Explorers 131 members, Justin Wellman, Jamison Snyder and Marissa Cogan. The raising of the Indian Flag was done by Hari Kundram.

The Indian National Anthem was performed by Ruya Dadheech.

During the event, Shala Gagliardi, presented a “Congressional Certificate” from the 11th Congressional District, Congresswoman Mikey Sherrill.

There were many cultural performances including, “Morni Baagan Maa” by Riya Dadheech; “I Love My India” performed by the Ensemble Performance; Aavo Shri Vallabh Shri Vitthal also performed by the Ensemble Performance; “Aye Vatan Aye Vatan Aabaad Rahe Tu” by Devisha Desai and “Saare Jahan SeSchla” by the Ensemble Performance.

Board of Education Member George Blair resigns

Frank L. Cahill
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Board of Education Member George Blair resigns

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education member George Blair resigned on Thursday, August 22.

Blair recently sold him home on Emerson Road. His term expires December 31, 2020.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education plans to fill the vacant Board Member position at its meeting on September 12. Interested individuals who possess the qualifications for a Board of Education Member (See ByLaw 0142 by clicking here) are encouraged to submit a resume and/or request for consideration to the Board Secretary, Mrs. Robin Tedesco, by 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Submissions may be sent to the Calabria Education Center, 292 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054.

Qualifications for a Board member are:
Each member of the Board of Education shall possess the qualifications required by law and shall be bound by the provisions of the School Ethics Act.

    Qualification of Office

  • A Board member must be a citizen of the United States.
  • A Board member must be a resident of the district the member represents and must have been such for at least one year immediately preceding the member’s election or appointment.
  • A Board member may not be convicted of a felony.
  • A Board member must be able to read and write.
  • A Board member must be registered to vote in the district and not disqualified from voting pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:4-1.
  • A Board member may not have been convicted of a crime or offense as listed in N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1.
  • A Board member cannot concurrently hold office as mayor or a member of the governing body of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.
  • Each member of the Board of Education, within thirty days of election or appointment to the Board shall undergo a criminal history background investigation for the purpose of ensuring the member is not disqualified from membership due to a criminal conviction of a crime or offense listed in N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1 et seq. The Board of Education will not reimburse the Board member for the costs of the criminal history record check. The Commissioner of Education shall notify the Board of Education if a member has been disqualified from membership on the Board as the result of the criminal history record check. The Commissioner of Education will also notify the Board if a Board member has charges enumerated in N.J.S.A. 18A:12-1 pending against him/her and the Board shall take appropriate action. If the pending charges result in conviction, the member shall be disqualified from continued membership on the Board.
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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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