When you purchase an automobile roadside assistance insurance policy you should have an expectation of being able to use it when needed for towing and repair. At first glance you’re probably thinking… “Those rotten insurance companies, they’re not paying again.” Not so fast! In New Jersey, the bureaucracy has created all sorts of regulations that subvert your best efforts of protecting your family.
As recently as six months ago, I was driving my son’s car on the Palisades Parkway and I got a flat tire. Initially, I tried to change the tire on my own, unfortunately without success. My next course of action was to call my insurance company’s Roadside Assistance for help. I was relieved to have made contact with the customer service call center, but then a problem manifested itself: the operator asked me where I was located. “I’m on Exit 4 on the Palisades Parkway,” I replied.
The next words from the representative made my blood boil. “I’m so sorry Mr. Auth. We are not permitted to send our response team to the Palisades Parkway.” Unfortunately, exclusive contracts are granted to towing services for certain roadways in New Jersey, and the companies charge very exclusive prices – north of $300 on any given call.
Despite my best efforts to “Be Prepared,” the Boy Scout in me was not rewarded that day. That’s why when I was back in Trenton, I introduced Assembly Bill A5310, which requires certain toll road operators and bi-state agencies to allow drivers to choose their own towing company if it’s been purchased on an insurance policy.
My efforts to prepare ahead and to pay a little extra for the comfort of knowing that my wife, my son, and even my dog Pepe, are not going to be stranded and ultimately taken advantage of, should not be thwarted by a towing company. It is time for us all to be free from unwarranted regulations and to benefit from the services afforded by a competitive market place.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Land Conservancy of New Jersey announced it has dedicated its West Brook Preserve in West Milford for Board Chair Nancy Conger.
The Land Conservancy President David Epstein explained that “Preserving this remarkable property was a struggle that we were losing until Nancy got involved to lead the effort. She is our hero and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”
The 198-acre Nancy Conger West Brook Preserve was established in 2017 to preserve the headwaters of the West Brook, a major source of clean water for the Wanaque Reservoir where 2 million New Jersey residents get their drinking water.
The Land Conservancy is about to embark upon a major restoration project for a portion of the brook that was diverted into a ditch. The plan involves plugging the ditch and removing a small dam and five culverts to restore water back into the original stream bed and re-flood the wetlands.
The plan will provide more water for the reservoir during dry times of year, reduce erosion, remove invasive plant species, and rehabilitate the habitat of the imperiled eastern brook trout. “I have been delighted to help The Land Conservancy permanently preserve the West Brook,” Nancy said. “Working with this amazing organization has been a thrill as they have continued to preserve the lands that I love.” Nancy began her career on Wall Street as a stockbroker and went on to found the investment firm Red Hook Management with her husband Bill and serve as its President. Nancy served as Board Chair for Wheaton College and recently received an honorary doctorate for her philanthropic work supporting Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. Nancy has been a Land Conservancy supporter for more than two decades. She was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2013, served as Chair of the Governance Committee, and is currently the Chair of the Board.
“Nancy’s passion for The Land Conservancy and its critical work has inspired me and so many of our Trustees and supporters to do more to help preserve New Jersey’s special places,” said Board Vice Chair Andy Dietz. “It is a great honor for me to work with her.”
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its Annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 15 attracting people from all over Morris County and all ages. An estimated 1,300 people enjoyed the event in beautiful sunny weather.
Chairman Nicolas Limanov said there were over 60 vehicles, from fire trucks, ambulances, busses, to dump trucks and everything in between. People of all ages had fun touring the property and seeing the many vehicles.
Remo D’Alessandro, Parsippany Police Department, gave all the children a “ticket” which was redeemable for a free ice cream at the Dairy at Lake Hiawatha.
Assemblywoman BettyLou Decroce with Chick-fil-A cow
Connie Keller with Chick-fil-A cow
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department
The children all received a string bag filled with goodies
The children having fun at Touch-A-Truck
Petals, Joe Jannarone, Jr., Carol Tiesi and Laura Wohland
Kiwanis Key Club members
DJ John Jay Gee Gathers
Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department
Denis and Alice Limanov
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Carrozzino, Mayor Michael Soriano and Parsippany Police Officer Remo D'Alessandro
Touch-a-Truck is a fundraising event to benefit the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Children of all ages can have a hands-on experience with all kinds of vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firemen, first aid squad volunteers, sanitation workers and many more!
Every child received a goody bag full of surprises including a free ice cream cone, free Chick-fil-A sandwich, a sundae from Applebees and so much more.
Aside from being a great time for the family, this event helps support our major initiatives. Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our Parsippany based group supports and sponsors many community causes.
Restaurant Depot supplied the food for all volunteers and First Responders and IHOP Parsippany cooked the delicious breakfast.
Chairman Nicolas Limanov said “It was a wonderful day watching all the children having fun, asking questions and taking pictures. I was happy to add many new vendors including the State Police Helicopter, and the committee expects to add even more for next year. I want to thank all the committee members who helped making this event very successful.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Small businesses can escape costly fines for first-time filing mistakes under legislation that passed the Assembly today. Sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Anthony Bucco, the bill (A1677) suspends fines for inconsequential paperwork procedure violations.
“The state has an unfriendly business environment, and small employers are struggling every day to survive,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “There’s no need to clobber them with fines for technical errors that don’t harm anyone. New Jersey should focus on growing the economy, not punishing job creators for honest mistakes.”
Fines will not be suspended if the violation harms the general public; interferes with the detection of criminal activity; impacts the collection of a tax, debt or revenue; or if it is not corrected within six months.
“The cost of doing business in New Jersey is high enough,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “The last thing small businesses need is to be burdened with penalties for petty errors. Eliminating another burdensome regulation is always a positive step.”
Small businesses employ more than 1.7 million people in New Jersey.
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation advanced Monday by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee clarifies a 2017 law that has been used to justify new homeowner association fees on some property owners.
Assemblyman Hal Wirths sponsors the bill (A5043) addressing misinterpretations of the law by some community associations to assess new fees on owners. Sen. Steve Oroho sponsors a version of the bill (S3661) that passed the Senate last week.
“This bill protects people from surprise assessments and compulsory fees,” said Wirths (R-Sussex). “You can’t change the rules in the middle of the game.”
Under the measure, property owners in an association which did not have authority to compel payment of assessments prior to July 13, 2017 are not bound by fees.
The so-called Radburn law strengthened voting rights in common communities, and established election participation protections for residents of planned real estate developments. After it went into effect in 2017, advisors to lake associations reasoned they now had the right to require all owners in developments to pay yearly assessments.
Planned real estate developments, through master deeds, oblige owners to pay for maintenance and support of common areas. By clarifying the original intent of Chapter 106, any disagreements about paying of dues would be settled as they have been previously.
“Steve, Hal and I believe it is regrettable that some homeowners and lake associations are being led to believe that A5043 is somehow taking something away from their associations because one cannot take away something that was never given,” stated Assemblyman Parker Space, a supporter of the measure.
MORRIS COUNTY — As a steady stream of people picked up free Narcan at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Morristown on Tuesday, staff of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One vehicle were ready to train them on administering the life-reviving antidote that reverses an opioid overdose.
Navigating Hope, a Morris County-run outreach vehicle like Hope One that brings social services guidance and referrals directly to individuals, worked alongside the Hope One staff to answer any questions posed by passersby and patrons leaving Rite Aid with their free Naloxone, which is known by the brand name Narcan.
As of 2:00 p.m. on June 18, Rite Aid had distributed 105 of 150 doses of Narcan it received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services as part of a campaign to slow the tide of opioid overdose deaths and bring attention to the health crisis. Of dozens of participating pharmacies across the state, three pharmacies in Morris County took part in the giveaway, including Rite Aid in Morristown, Walgreens in Dover and Walmart in Flanders.
And, as of 2:00 p.m., Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Kelly LaBar, who works aboard Hope One, had trained 14 people on how to correctly administer the nasal spray Narcan to temporarily reverse an overdose.
Many of the people who collected a dose under the no-questions-asked program already are familiar with Narcan because of their jobs as law enforcement officers, paramedics or substance use counselors. But they wanted a dose on hand in case they encounter a person in the throes of an overdose.
Audrey Ma, a mother of three who works in a school district, said she is aware of the dangers of opioid addiction and in particular wants her oldest child to learn about the opioid and heroin crisis.
“You never know when anyone might have an issue. This is reality and like the Girl Scout motto: Be prepared,” Mrs. Ma said after she was trained on Narcan use.
“It’s a fine program. I got some in case a client comes in and needs it,” said Substance Use Counselor Charles R. Berman.
Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer stopped by the Hope One tent and met Rite Aid Pharmacist Susan Novembre, who was overseeing the Narcan distribution Tuesday morning. Ms. Novembre said the cost for a dose of Narcan for an uninsured person is about $150.
“The statewide free distribution of Naloxone is a tremendous, proactive measure that recognizes the dire toll that opioid addiction is taking on individuals and families,” Sheriff Gannon said.
Hope One, launched on April 3, 2017, brings Narcan training and kits, substance use and mental health services, directly into communities. As of June 17, 2019, Hope One had made contact with 7,299 people, trained 1,770 people in the use of Narcan, arranged for substance use treatment services for 133 people, and mental health treatment services for 98 people.
Navigating Hope, a collaboration between the Morris County Office of Temporary Service and the non-profit Family Promise of Morris County, began its journey around Morris County about one month ago. Its staff helps connect people who are homeless, in need of Food Stamps, Medicaid, General Assistance, Veterans Services or other social programs with the services they need.
On Tuesday, Navigating Hope staff handed out literature about services and assisted for several hours a homeless man living in Morristown.
For more information on the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One program click here.
PARSIPPANY — Not long ago, Tanaysia Smith was using drugs and living in abandoned buildings in Irvington. She overdosed and spent five months in rehab, only to relapse and return to the streets.
Smith finally decided she’d had enough of that life. The 20-year-old stopped using drugs and enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus last winter to earn her high school diploma. She had dropped out of school a few years before, and getting back into a classroom rhythm wasn’t easy.
“I didn’t like it at first, but they always gave me good advice and encouraged me to keep coming,” Smith said. “They made me see that it was worth it.”
Smith and 36 young adults earned their New Jersey high school diplomas as the NewBridge Job Plus Class of 2019. Dressed in caps and gowns, 25 of them crossed a stage at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts headquarters on June 19 as more than 200 relatives and friends cheered.
“I have 37 new heroes,” said NewBridge Board of Trustees member Patti Lee, a top executive at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
NewBridge trustee James Sarto marveled at the hardships graduates had overcome and their career ambitions. “This chapter of your life is over, and you’re moving ahead,” said Sarto, a former high school principal.“I want you to be fearless. I want you to be successful. I want you to be resilient.”
NewBridge Jobs Plus is the longest-running alternative education program in Morris County and has helped well over 1,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for college, trade schools and careers since 1983. The program, located at the NewBridge Parsippany Center, is free to young adults living in Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, and transportation is provided to Morris County residents.
This year’s graduates are from Boonton, Chatham, Denville, Dover, Florham Park, Hackettstown, Hanover, Hopatcong, Jefferson, Morris Plains, Morristown, Mount Olive, Parsippany, Pequannock, Roxbury, and Stanhope.
NewBridge Jobs Graduate Dana Miller (second from left) surrounded by her mom, Cherry, sister, Desiree and dad Kevin
Sixteen-year-old Dana Miller said she never felt high school was a good fit, so she left during her sophomore year and enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus with her parents’ blessings. She quickly completed her coursework and passed the exam.
“NewBridge Jobs Plus gave me confidence and helped me get to where I needed to be,” Miller said. The Morris Plains resident won the $1,000 Alumni Appreciation Scholarship Award and will attend County College of Morris (CCM) for design in September.
Jaquan Eke became teary-eyed when called to the stage to receive the $1,000 James Ryan Memorial Scholarship Award. NewBridge Services Board of Trustees President Debbie King presented the award, named in honor of her father, one of NewBridge’s founders.
“I messed up bad in high school and you didn’t give up on me,” the 18-year-old said to his parents, Elisa and Osaze Eke, in the audience. Eke said Parsippany High School expelled him in March for testing positive for marijuana use.
That was a blow for Eke, who was a good student and enjoyed high school. He said he just sat on his couch for a month. “I didn’t want to have to start over, but then I remembered what was at stake, and that was enough to motivate me,” he said. “Learning to adapt was a huge thing.”
Eke will study computer science at CCM in the fall, and plans to attend Boston University for his master’s degree.
Morristown resident Harold Munguia won the $1,000 Lakeland Bank Scholarship Award and plans to study radiology at CCM. NewBridge “really supported me and they helped me grow up,” the 19-year-old said.
Brian Rutan received the $1,000 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Scholarship Award and plans to pursue a degree in music at CCM. The Mount Olive resident has been playing instruments since the fourth grade. NewBridge Jobs Plus was a better fit for him than high school. “I liked how understanding everyone there was,” the 17-year-old said.
Tanaysia Smith won the $1,000 Skylar Matthews Memorial Scholarship Award, created in memory of a 2017 graduate, and was named Associate of the Year. “She never let anything stand in her way,” NewBridge Jobs Plus Educational Coordinator James Ivey said. The Morristown resident plans to study at the Fortis Institute and pursue a career in the medical field.
Smith’s mother cried when her daughter told her she passed the state high school exam. “It’s been such a long journey. She didn’t think she deserved good things, but she’s strong and she’s smart, and I always knew she was destined for something great,” said Lakesha Smith. She and other family members wore shirts that read, “The tassel was worth the hassle.”
Phil Silva, a 1999 graduate, shared how NewBridge Jobs Plus helped him turn his life around and urged the Class of 2019 to persevere and remain disciplined.
NewBridge Jobs Plus receives funding from: the Charles Emil Thenen Foundation; Community Foundation of New Jersey; Holmes Family Foundation; John Bickford Foundation; Lakeland Bank; Morris County Freeholders; Morris County Human Services; Morris County Vocational School District; Morris-Sussex-Warren Employment Training Services; Morris-Sussex-Warren Workforce Development Board; TD Bank Charitable Foundation; and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
About NewBridge
NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a premier provider of counseling services, housing and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving more than 7,200 adults and seniors last year alone. NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief and challenging relationships; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its more than 56-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with law enforcement agencies in six New Jersey counties to track down a couple suspected of breaking into at least 27 concession stands at Little League, school and community recreation fields since April.
The burglaries, which span April 24 through Thursday, June 20, have been reported in Morris, Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Passaic and Sussex counties. The break-ins involve significant damage to the doors of the structures and theft of cash, candy, beverages and other items.
Surveillance images of a man and woman whom authorities suspect of targeting the concession stands were captured at the Woodbridge Little League concession stand on Van Buren Street in Woodbridge. Additional images were captured at stands in Teaneck and Hasbrouck Heights in Bergen County.
The largest theft so far during a break-in netted the perpetrators as much as $700 in cash. Beyond cash or items stolen, the thieves caused significant damage while breaking in. Some local businesses have stepped forward to assist with paying for repairs.
The latest break-in, occurring sometime between the evening of Wednesday, June 19, and the morning of Thursday, June 20, was reported at a concession stand at Overpeck County Park in Paramus.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Systems Analyst Jane Recktenwald, who oversees the Office Trends and Analysis Unit known as MCSTAT, is gathering and assessing data, and working cooperatively with police in all the affected municipalities on the crime they have in common.
“This is a prime opportunity for law enforcement agencies to share intelligence to apprehend perpetrators who are stealing from children, their families, schools and recreation programs that count on concession stand sales to support Little League and other sport activities,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.
Analyst Recktenwald said concession stand operators are advised to remove cash from the premises upon closing and try to secure or lock up candy, beverages and other sale items. Police are also advised to make frequent checks of concession stands in their communities.
Morris and Passaic counties have been targeted most frequently so far, with eight concession stands reportedly burglarized in each.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) detectives are assisting in the investigations, including collection of evidence, within Morris County.
The Morris County burglaries include:
Parsippany-Troy Hills Little League East on May 2;
Jefferson Parks Department concession stand between May 11 and May 13;
Burnham Park Little League concession stand between May 15 and May 16.
Lake Parsippany Park concession stand between May 24 and May 27;
Madison High School concession stand between May 31 and June 1;
Dodge Field in Madison concession stand between May 31 and June 2;
Anderson Field in Kinnelon concession stand between June 6 and June 7;
Donatoni Park concession stand, Rockaway Borough, break-in reported June 20.
Bergen County authorities are investigating related burglaries at four stands in Elmwood Park, Paramus, Teaneck and Hasbrouck Heights.
In Essex County, stands were burglarized in Belleville, Livingston and Verona.
In Middlesex County, a concession stand was broken into in Woodbridge.
In Passaic County, thieves burglarized the same stand twice in Totowa, two separate fields in Clifton, and stands in Wayne, Paterson, Little Falls and Bloomingdale.
In Sussex County, two stands in Stanhope Borough were burglarized.
PARSIPPANY — The Assembly advanced a bill (A605) sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce that would stop dental insurance companies from selling or renting their provider networks and discounts to third parties. These arrangements, referred to as “silent PPOs” or “rental networks,” are often made without the knowledge of dentists or patients.
“This bill is all about transparency and protecting patients and dentists from these hidden agreements that end up costing them,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “People should know what is being covered by their health insurance and dentists should know what to expect in the form of reimbursements.”
Dentists and other providers generally join a health insurance’s PPO network and agree to take lower compensation than they otherwise might charge in exchange for a flow of patients. When the health insurance company sells or rents their PPO network to a third party without notifying the providers it is called a silent PPO. The in-network dentist then unknowingly provides service at a discounted rate to patients not in the original network.
Most health care providers are not even aware they are in a silent PPO until they receive reimbursement from a third party that claims entitlement to a payment reduction.
Silent PPOs hit a nerve in patients, too. Without accurate cost and benefit information, patients could end up receiving an unexpected bill or forgo treatment because of the out-of-pocket price.
“No one deserves a surprise statement in the mail,” said DeCroce. “Not only can this impact their pockets, but also their oral health.”
The bill would only permit health insurers to contract with third parties if they give dentists in their network the ability to opt out of such an agreement.
TRENTON —The Assembly passed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Parker Space that would add the word “police” to the titles of county correctional officers, wardens and deputy wardens.
“This bill helps clarify the powers that these officers of the law already possess and eliminates any confusion over their authority,” said Space (R-Sussex).
In January last year, legislation was enacted that similarly changed the titles of state corrections officers. The law aims to support officers when they are assigned to duties outside their normal operations by making it clear they have police powers, including the ability to make arrests.
Under the bill, S1739/A3236, the Civil Service Commission is directed to create the following new titles: county correctional police officer, county correctional police warden and county correctional deputy police warden. Any fees associated with the title changes will be covered by the officer, warden and deputy warden. This may include any cost associated with an updated uniform, badge, or equipment.
The Senate version, S-1739 is prime sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex), and passed 34-0.
PARSIPPANY — While on patrol, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Garza observed a 2009 Nissan Murano traveling on Route 10 West with its four way flashers activated, on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 a.m.
As he continued to observe the vehicle, he also noticed that the driver was failing to maintain its lane and crossed over the stripped lane markings.
A motor vehicle stop was conducted and contact was made with the driver, Mr. Freddy Barandica, 52, Elizabeth.
After a brief investigation, Mr. Barandica was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane.
He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
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 — 21 teams and 100 fans participated in the Wifflemania XXXV tournament held this past Saturday, June 22 at Smith Field Park.
The competition was great during bracket play as they saw a total of 18 games decided by 1 run.
Congratulations to New Era’s Jeremy DeCotiis, Austin DeCotiis, Matt Ajaj & Brandon Magnotta. The wiffle studs from Jefferson lived up to their 3-peat guarantee winning their 3rd consecutive title. After going 4-0 in bracket play, they went on to smash 6 HR’s en-route to a 12-4 thrashing of the Bangers in the finals to take home the cup.
New Era RF, Brandon “Spongecake” Magnotta was named the tournament’s MVP for the 1st time while teammate, Jeremy DeCotiis won HR King, blasting 8 HR’s, including 2 in the finals.
New Era defeated Batnottas 13-0 in the NL Bracket Final while Bangers defeated Dad Bods 6-5 in the AL Bracket Final.
Thanks to all our reliable friends and family who helped put this event together and to those guys that umped all day.
Stevie Way and Wifflemania commissioner Fred Amato representing Muscular Dystrophy Assoc.
Wiffle Mania XXXV raised approximately $1500 dollars which we will again be donating to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Valerie Fund and The Parsippany Food Pantry.
Official WM XXXV Records New Era 5-0
Bangers 4-1
Dad Bods 5-2
Batnottas 3-2
Intervale Bulldogs 3-2
Young Guns 3-2
Splash Bros. 3-2
Mudhens 2-2
Ballbusters 2-2
EH Ballers 2-2
Lox Stocked and Bageled 1-2
Odd Balls 1-2
Sons of Italy 1-2
El Hectors 1-2
Wise Guys 1-2
NYC Sluggers 1-2
Harry Ballers 1-2
FP All Stars 0-2
Friends Wiff Benefits 0-2
Barnyard Bombers 0-2
Outlaws 0-2
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2019 received their diplomas during a Commencement Exercise held on Thursday, June 20.
Principal Michael DiSanto certified the conferment of the diplomas to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education and all 269 graduates were presented with a diplomas by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education members.
The Class Officers were Nikita Morris, President; Tyler Lee, Vice President; Cindy Lam, Secretary and Max Bard, Treasurer.
The ceremony featured several speakers, each of whom looked forward towards a bright and hopeful future.
197 Students (74%) will be attending a four year college; 54 Students (20%) will be attending a two year college; one student will be entering Career Education (0.5%), one student will be continuing education (0.5%) 9 students are employed (2.%), three students taking a gap year (1.5%) and four students joined the Military.
The members of the Class of 2019 are:
Maryam Abdelhalim
Zobia Afzal
Christian Alberto Aguirre Guzman
Jonathan Aguirre Nicanor
Sarah Ahmed
Brandon Alban
MeerabAli
Janice Marie Alverio-Rodriguez
Bryan A. Amaya Londono
Khushi C. Amin
Alexander N. Apostolopoulos
George K. Apostolopoulos
Jason Salvatore Arezzi
Viviana Arezzi
Job Bryan Arita
Zoraz Arshad
Byron D. Asitimbay
Saif R. Awan
Aleyna G. Aydin
Frank J. Baccaro
Max Sebastian Bard
Christopher Leo Berardo
Dhaara Hiten Bhatt
Chintan Bhavsar
Danielle L Bianchi
Ethan T. Bosi
Meagan Clare Bostek
Sara M. Boufford
Cameron Jacob Boyle
Khushi Nishith Brahmbhatt
Patrick Bright
Thomas Brian Buckley
Kevin Campos
Madelyn Hope Cantrell
Jaclyn Jade Carifi
Justin Casado
Aidan Noah Chao
Benny Chen
Travis Cheng
Carolyn Baoyi Chiu
Andrew Joseph Choffo
Nicholas Rocco Chraca
Alison Christian
Annyben Pareshku Christian
Ryan M. Christofferson
Kali Lauren Cipkins
Meghan Elizabeth Comerford
Victoria Corea
Sarah Emily Costanza
Christopher Cunha
Marlena T. Daher
Ashley Marie Davis
Mia Rose De Angelis
Meaghan Rachel Appia DeBenedette
Diana DeMottie
Samantha E. Denise
Lauren Elizabeth DePietro
Avi Desai
Viral Desai
Prem Chetan Dhaduk
Siddika M. Dharsee
Shumsher Singh Dhillon
Corinne Athena Diaz
Arianna M. DiLauri
Drew Michael Ehrenfeld
Doha El-Arabi
Brendan William Evers
Domenic Falivene
Alyssa Haley Ferrante
Nicholas Michael Ferro
Teresa Lynn Folan
Tyler J. Foley
Connor W. Fox
Johanna Sonja Garcia
Gabriella J. Gilgorri
Lorenzo Michael Gonnella
Nadia Elyse Gonzalez
Shruthi A Gopinath
Casey Edward Gorczyca
Matthieu Pierre Granvil
Katherine Grytsayenko
Wilmer Guerra
Joseph Carmine Guerriero
Amanda Gurth
Sydney Harris
Haseeb Hasan
Uzma Hasan
Joseph Hayek
Joseph F. Hosig-Rendfrey
Ying-Yi Hsu
Enoch J. Hu
Victoria Anna Huss
Stephen Schelle Ingersoll, II
Annabelle J. Ip
Rachel Lynn Jacovsky
Sean Michael Jakubiak
Eren Elif Jan
Keriann Elizabeth Jetton
Kayla Alexis Johnson
Jai Joshi
Riley Elizabeth Kells
Ali A Khokhar
Paul Joseph Kievit, Jr.
Samantha Patricia Kievit
Paul Kim
Olivia Lauren King
Rachel Rose Klemovitch
James Daniel Koegler
Brian C. Kong
Mirna A Kotb
Ruth E. Kowalski
Ashwin Thomas Kurian
Joseph J. L’Ecuyer
Paolo La Rosa
Anthony M. La Spina
Janvi D. Lagdiwala
Amanda K. Lalicata
Margueritte Gwen Lalo
Cindy Lam
David Lam
Virginia Lee Young Lanza
Giana Grace Leal
Audrey Sera Lee
Tyler Lee
Jason Lei
Eric Leonard
Shama Mayur Leuva
Christopher Paul Liang
Matthew Lin
Sophia Anne Lowery
Sarah Michelle Ludvigsen
Maria Lysak
Mia Angelina Maccarella
Harshitha Madhavan
Anthony John Maglio
1zel Su Mansur
Jorge Rafael Manzo
Abigail Therese Marin
Jayson Marte
Brian A. Martinez
Isabel Mathew
Aishling Cara McCarthy
Desiree Jasmine McConnell
Kevin Christopher Minardi
Arslan Amrez Mir
Katherine Olivia Mitchell
Brendan James Moffatt
Kayley Rose Moncada
Matthew Vincent Morales
Kaileigh Alexis Morgan
Nikita Alexcia Morris
Shannon Bridget Murphy
Emma Nicole Mykowski
lshan Nakrani
Surya Teja Namburi
Jake Alexander Newell
Tinalyn Nguyen
Kaitlyn R. O’Kean
Victoria Margaret O’Neill
Mahi M. Ojha
Gianna Annette Orrico
Aryam Padhiar
Angelica Padikie Padi
Alexandra Papadopoulos
Elizabeth Parente
Joseph F. Parente
Dhvani Parikh
Aastha K. Patel
Darsh M. Patel
Dev A. Patel
Dhairya Patel
Dhruva V. Patel
Dhruva S. Patel
Diya Sanjay Patel
Esha Paresh Patel
Janki A. Patel
Karan Bipinchandra Patel
Krishna Patel
Manan Hemant Patel
Mit S. Patel
Mitul B. Patel
Neel P. Patel
Nishi Patel
Shruti P. Patel
Tanisha Pinal Patel
Tirth A Patel
Yuti Manish Patel
Brianna Rose Perez
Rodrigo Deltoro Perez
Aidan T. Peterson
Ryan A Porcelli
Bethany Evadney Powell
Goutham Prakash
Jenna Louise Puchalski
Vivek Rajyaguru
Karan Uday Singh Rana
Zoe Lauren Rappaport
Kashvi Rastogi
Jaquelin M. Rebolledo
Joseph A Reeber
Jason Christopher Reid
Samuel D. Reppen
Juan Esteban Restrepo-Giraldo
Sean J. Rice
Angelina C. Robie
Marcela Andrea Rojas
Osorio Shane Rosado
Cody Matthew Ruth
Anahita Sahafian
Vallika Saraswat
Connor Schaefer
Morgan Schaefer
Connor Michael Seredvick
Dev H. Shah
Devansh Shruhud Sheth
Winnie Liting Shin
David Alexander Sinchi
Gordip Singh
Kristopher A Siuniak
Nicolas Sniadach
Amy F. Staudinger
Kanner George Stavrou
Ross Andrew Stensgaard
Brandon R. Strocchia
Aakash S. Sukhadia
Priyank N. Sukhadia
Jack Rocco Summa
Adney Junior Suvil
Siddharth Swaminathan
Jennifer Tabulov
Tara Marie Tafro
Olivia Jo Terrell
Yash A. Thakor
Jubin Thomas
Asher Noah Thurer
Dennis Tirkey
Mia I. Tlack
Jade Sui Wai To
Christian Justin Torres
Marta I. Torres-Droz
Nicole Trujillo
Justin Turner
Nicole Ma. Francesca M. Urbis
Bhoomika A. Vachhani
Rachel Lauren Valatkavage
Kaneesha S. Vaz
Christopher John Velicky
Natalie Kate Verile
Neha Vijay
Mychal Clement Villanueva
Jenna Michelle Visoskas
Mansi D. Vyas
Molly Elisabeth Ward
Ryan M. Wargo
Rebecca Nicole Warner
Kyra M. Waters
Abigail Rose Wilson
Teagan Marie Wittig
Eric L. Wong
Michelle C. Wong
Jeremy Yang
Philip Emanuel Yao
Amanda Elizabeth Yorlano
Kyril George Yurchuk
Mark C. Zarnick
Sigmund Ryan Zemzicki
Sara Zevallos
Aidan Matthew Zitelli
Alexander Markos Zorzoris
Mohammad Awais Zubair
PARSIPPANY — Sean Levorse, a 2014 Parsippany Hills High School graduate, recently graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Software Engineering and minors in Game Design, and Digital Language & Media. He graduated summa cum laude. Sean experienced real world hands-on work by securing co-operative employment at GE, Quality Vision Imaging, HubSpot and Microsoft.
RIT requires a year of co-op for the Software Engineering degree. He will begin employment with HubSpot in Cambridge, Massachusetts this summer.
Look at that sad face, waiting for you to take him home
PARSIPPANY — Meet Ghost, a two-year-old Husky! Ghost was left with a dog sitter and his owners never returned for him. Now, Ghost has a chance to find a family who will love him forever!
Ghost is an active, very intelligent dog who loves to go for long walks, running in the yard, and doing a little inside parkour on the couch. He is very friendly, loves to get pets from his foster dad, and enjoys playing with his toys. Ghost knows his basic commands and is working hard to become the perfect pup on leash.
Due to Ghost’s tendency to jump and activity level, he’d do best in a home with children 13+. He enjoys the company of other medium-large dogs but cannot live with cats. Ghost is potty-trained and really likes when his foster dad brushes him. He’s gotta look good to feel good!
If you’re looking for a new adventure buddy, apply to adopt Ghost today!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Comprehensive legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) and Senator Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex) to strengthen New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws has passed the New Jersey Senate. The bill is named in honor of Mallory Grossman, a twelve-year-old Rockaway resident who committed suicide in 2017 after being bullied.
“Incidents of bullying should not be solely handled by the schools – the problem is much larger than that,” said Pennacchio. “Parents must be engaged in the process as well. This legislation standardizes the reporting process while increasing transparency and accountability at every level. There is no doubt that Mallory’s Law will go a long way to combating bullying in every school in New Jersey.”
“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14, a figure partially attributable to cyberbullying,” said Diegnan. “Although New Jersey’s ‘Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights’ is considered to be one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the country, students have continued to be victimized, especially on social media, to the point of suicide. Hopefully, this bill will equip schools with the tools to combat this epidemic.”
Senator Pennacchio’s bipartisan legislation, S-3433, would standardize and toughen New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws. It aims to incorporate a broad approach to prevent and respond to bullying in New Jersey schools by increasing the repercussions and ensuring school officials take preventative actions before tragedy strikes.
“‘Mallory’s Law’ requires school and county officials to address bullying situations before an incident escalates into an irreversible tragedy,” added Pennacchio. “Increasing transparency and accountability, while standardizing this process, will help us put an end to this crisis.”
Mallory Grossman’s parents have turned their grief into action, by starting “Mallory’s Army,” a national movement to save other children from the devastating effects of bullying. On December 18, 2017 Senator Pennacchio and his colleagues in the State Senate honored Mallory’s Army for their efforts.
The bipartisan legislation named in tribute to Mallory was introduced in February 2019.
Although New Jersey’s “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” is considered to be one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the nation, students have continued to be victimized to the point of suicide.
Pennacchio’s legislation would reinforce and intensify the state’s “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.” The bill was signed into law after cyber harassment led to the tragic suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi in 2010.
Many experts have noted that the growing trend of cyber harassment through cell phones, computers, and interactive video games leaves children today with little escape from bullying, even when in their own homes. Oftentimes, parents don’t realize it’s happening right in front of them.
“We have to do more to protect our kids when bullies can harass them at any time of the day via apps like Snapchat and Instagram, or even when they’re playing video games like Fortnite,” Pennacchio added. “’Mallory’s Law’ will ensure the bully, parents, and the school are made well aware of any incidents, and that proper disciplinary actions are taken before we lose more young lives.”
“Mallory’s Law” would ensure that parents are more involved when their child is accused of bullying. The bill would also direct New Jersey school districts to provide means for parents to complete an online form to report any occurrences of bullying.
The legislation would also require that each school district’s anti-bullying policy must include specific penalties for bullying. Any proven act of bullying would lead to the incident being added to the student’s permanent record.
Under the bill, bullies found culpable of harassment more than three times must attend anti-bullying training with their parents. Law enforcement will also be notified to see if the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice has been violated.
A civil liability may be imposed on the parent of a bully who demonstrates blatant disregard of supervising their child, if their child has been judged to be delinquent of harassment or cyber harassment.
Victims of bullying are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
“Mallory’s family and I worked closely together to create this legislation,” Senator Pennacchio commented. “The State of New Jersey must take every appropriate action to reduce bullying by increasing the strength and transparency of the reporting process. I urge the Governor to sign this legislation into law as soon as possible.”
PARSIPPANY — Al Shurdom, Coordinator of Self Help, Advocacy and Education for the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, has been awarded Morris County’s annual Terri Belske Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award for 2019.
The award was presented on Tuesday, June 18, at the county’s 25th annual Public Forum, Many Faces of Recovery event, which was held at Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township.
Terri Belske Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award winner Al Shurdom of Parsippany is Coordinator of Self Help, Advocacy and Education at the Parsippany office of the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris.
Shurdom, of Parsippany, was nominated by friend and coworker Tracy Klingener, who noted that Al “sees his clients as people, not as people with mental illnesses.” Klingener cited Shurdom’s respect and kindness toward all of the clients he visits during wellness checks, going beyond what’s expected when assisting clients and visiting them in hospitals.
In addition, Mr. Shurdom has advocated strongly for improved patient care at the state’s Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital (located in Parsippany) and has spoken out at numerous town-hall meetings about the lack of services for mental health consumers in the community.
Shurdom began his career in the U.S. Navy and became passionate about the mental health field during his time in the military. After completing his service, Al’s roommate was in a serious car accident. His roommate survived but the roommate’s fiancée died. Following the trauma of the accident, Al’s friend began to have hallucinations and delusions, and was diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder.
Al also personally has traveled the road of major depressive disorder, which was diagnosed while he was in the Navy.
He began work at the Mental Health Association in 2015 as a part time driver before transitioning into his current full-time role.
He currently is pursuing his certificate to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor so he can better help others with substance abuse, sharing his own story of addiction and recovery.
The Terri Belske Mental Health Advocate award recognizes a person or family member with lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use who has:
• Demonstrated leadership as an advocate for adequate community resources to support individuals in their journey to recovery
• Shown courage in representing the interests of individuals who have experienced mental illness and addictions
• Demonstrated kindness and compassion for others in need
• Acted as the voice for those who are not in a position to speak out for themselves.
Terri Belske was one of the first mental health consumers in New Jersey ever to sit on high-level state and county public policy committees. The Boonton resident, who died in 2016 at age 54, was a staunch defender and supporter of people who did not have a voice to advocate for to advocate for themselves in the public arena.
NEW JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to enhance safety for rideshare passengers by requiring additional identification for drivers. The bill’s passage and signing follows the tragic death of Samantha “Sami” Josephson, a Robbinsville resident and student at the University of South Carolina, who mistakenly entered a car she thought was her rideshare.
“Every day, thousands of rideshare passengers entrust drivers to get them to and from home, school, and work safely and without delay,” said Governor Murphy. “Just one unscrupulous mind seeking to take advantage of those passengers is one too many, and it is our responsibility to keep riders safe. Today, I am proud to stand beside the Josephson family and legislative sponsors to enhance protections for New Jersey’s rideshare passengers, and ensure that Samantha Josephson’s tragic death is not in vain.”
“This is a bitter-sweet day for the Josephsons. We want to thank the Assembly and Senate for unanimously passing Sami’s Law,” said Marci, Seymour, and Sydney Josephson. “We appreciate Governor Murphy accommodating us by signing the bill in Robbinsville, Samantha’s hometown. We are proud that New Jersey has taken the lead in making rideshare safer for everyone. We also want to thank our family, friends, and community for supporting us through this tough time.”
The legislation signed requires rideshare companies to issue additional identification materials to drivers to help passengers correctly identify their vehicle. First, rideshare companies must issue two identifying markers to each driver to be displayed on the front windshield and rear window. Second, rideshare companies must create and provide every driver with two copies of a two-dimensional barcode or other machine-readable code that passengers can scan to confirm the identity of the vehicle. Third, rideshare companies shall produce and issue two credential placards to be displayed on the driver and passenger side rear windows that include the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number. Drivers who fail to comply with these provisions are subject to a fine of $250, and rideshare companies that fail to comply with these provisions can have their permit to operate in New Jersey suspended or revoked.
The new requirements take effect nine months following the date of enactment.
We stand with the Josephsons through their unimaginable grief over the loss of Samantha in this tragedy,” said Motor Vehicle Commission Chair and Chief Administrator B. Sue Fulton. “The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will do everything in our power to make this law as effective as it can be so that no other such terrible tragedy can happen in the future.”
A similar piece of legislation, also named “Sami’s Law,” was recently introduced at the federal level cosponsored by Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker in the U.S. Senate, and led by Representative Chris Smith in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“As rideshare services grow in popularity, we have a responsibility to address gaps in public safety, and Sami’s Law aims to do just that,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. “No family should have to go through the kind of horrific tragedy experienced by the Josephson family.
It’s essential that we take necessary steps to ensure the safety of rideshare passengers. Making it easier for riders to identify their vehicles will make it tougher for nefarious actors to pose as a driver. It’s important that we’re working toward solutions that safeguard rideshare users so that no family bears the same pain as the Josephson family,” said U.S Senator Booker.
“Seymour and Marci Josephson are remarkable, courageous people who have channeled their deep, abiding love for their daughter, Sami, into a national campaign to protect others from predators and murderers who can still pose as fake rideshare drivers with the intent to do harm,” said Rep. Chris Smith who represents Robbinsville where the Josephsons live and has authored a federal Sami’s Law. “Today we see their enormous impact here at home, as New Jersey is the first state to pass legislation that mirrors the federal version of Sami’s Law.
We are grateful to Seymour and Marci and know that with their leadership and tenacity, we will see enactment of a federal Sami’s Law so that ride-share customers are equally protected in all 50 states.”
Sponsors of the state legislation include Senators Patrick Diegnan, Linda Greenstein, and Thomas Kean, and Assembly Members Daniel Benson, Wayne DeAngelo, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Paul Moriarty.
“I have the utmost gratitude to the Josephson family for their strength and courage in promoting this legislation,” said Senator Diegnan. “It’s tragic that we had to lose a young adult with a promising career in order to address the issue of rider safety. Hopefully this law will educate users and prevent future tragedies.”
“Sami Josephson’s story is a tragedy that could have happened to anyone utilizing popular ridesharing services. It devastated our community and we must do what we can to promote public safety and honor her life,” said Senator Greenstein. “By placing a greater emphasis on visual safeguards, riders will be able to identify key items to confirm they are entering a credentialed ride sharing vehicle.”
“In the wake of tragedy, we have seen our local community come together to support the Josephson family and affect meaningful change. No parent should have to experience the loss of a child, especially due to a lack of common-sense safety measures for rideshare services. With the passage of this legislation, New Jersey leads the nation with stricter regulations for these widely utilized services such as Uber and Lyft,” said Assemblyman Benson.
“What Seymour and Marci Josephson and their family have endured with the loss of their daughter Sami is a hardship that no family should face,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo. “No one should ever be concerned for the safety of themselves or their loved ones when using these services. Through this new law, we make sure that as these services continue to develop, we are constantly working together to make sure customers are served safely and responsibly.”
“The bottom line is rideshare services must be safe for both the rider and the driver,” said Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle. “New Jersey should focus on improving identification tools used by customers to recognize their driver and the vehicle. We have to do more to protect New Jersey residents; this cannot happen here. This new law takes us one step closer to achieving that goal.”
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced the bipartisan SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Elimination Act (H.R. 2624) to provide tax relief to New Jersey residents, and today she announced endorsements from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Association of Realtors.
Eleven million Americans were hit by the $10,000 state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Representative Sherrill’s bill takes a first step toward restoring the full deduction by raising the SALT cap to equal the standard deduction: $24,000 for joint filers, $18,000 for heads of household, and $12,000 for individuals.
“Families in my community have seen their taxes go up because of the SALT deduction cap and as a result are questioning whether or not they can afford to live in New Jersey,” said Representative Sherrill. “The loss of the full SALT deduction puts an undue hardship on them. I’m proud to have the support of the American Federation of Teachers and the National Association of Realtors because they understand that the SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Elimination Act is a critical first step towards middle-class tax relief.”
“For more than 100 years, the state and local tax deduction has supported important state and local investments in public schools, healthcare, law enforcement, infrastructure and other vital services,” said Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. “The deduction has been used by about 44 million Americans, helping to avoid a double hit to middle-class families by both taxing them and cutting their local public schools and services. Middle-class families and their communities deserve better. I am pleased to support the SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Elimination Act and urge its passage.”
“For millions of Americans, limiting the state and local taxes that can be deducted greatly diminished or erased the long-standing tax incentives of owning a home,” said John Smaby, 2019 President, National Association of REALTORS. “By tying the SALT limit to the standard deduction, the amount of the deductible limit would be increased, which would allow many more current and prospective homeowners to regain the homeownership incentive that our tax law has provided for decades. We thank Representative Sherrill for her leadership in helping to ensure our tax system helps families afford a home – a vital part of the American Dream.”
This is the second announcement of support for the SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Elimination Act. In May, the National Association of Counties endorsed Representative Sherrill’s bill.
Representative Sherrill is committed to fighting for New Jersey families, and to working in Congress to address the SALT deduction, move forward on transportation infrastructure funding, and improve healthcare for all Americans.