TRENTON — For the second time in a month, the Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to ban the leasing of dogs and cats. With today’s vote, the Assembly accepted Senate amendments exempting purebred cats and dogs leased for breeding and animals trained as police K-9s and guide dogs.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, the legislation (A4552/A4385) addresses deceitful leasing, which has become increasingly popular. As pet stores and breeders scramble to sell expensive puppies while they are young and most attractive to buyers, some resort to leasing contracts to place animals.
“You’re not buying a dog, you are renting it,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The lease can double or triple the cost, and with some dogs going as high as $5,000, it can add up fast. Families can suffer a serious financial hit, and if they miss a payment, the family pet can be repossessed.”
When the lease is up, typically in three years, there can still be a final payment that must be made before ownership of the pet is transferred, explained Rooney, who first introduced the measure as A3970 on May 17, 2018.
“Families looking to bring a pet into the home can easily fall in love with a dog or cat they can’t afford,” Rooney noted. “Breeders sign them up for a payment plan, but usually the offer is too good to be true. Buyers end up signing a lease without understanding the fine print or knowing the total cost.”
Rooney’s bill establishes a penalty of $10,000 for leasing a dog or cat, and $30,000 each for additional violations.
New Jersey would be the fourth state to prohibit the predatory practice. California, Nevada and New York recently passed bans, and bills have been introduced in several other states.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Heritage Commission, in cooperation with the Daughters of the American Revolution, are presenting a special display on the history of the American Flag at the Morris County Library through July 15.
The display is timed to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day.
The legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 took place when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence declaring the United States free from Great Britain’s rule.
The Flag Resolution of June 1777 was the first recorded meeting, discussion, or debate by Congress about a national flag. It simply stated, “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”
Flags that few during times of war and national crises from the colonial era through the mid-twentieth century are on display in the lobby and second floor at the County Library.
These flags not only marked important periods in American history but through the symbolism show the nation’s development.
Included in the exhibit are period photographs and other materials related to the stars and stripes.
The Heritage Commission staff and members of the Morristown Chapter of the DAR worked together to bring this exhibit to the public. The goal is to give visitors to the library a better appreciation of the changes to our flag and the history that is symbolically represented in the stars and stripes.
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14 as Flag Day; in August 1946, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. The National Flag Day Foundation holds an annual observance for Flag Day on the second Sunday in June.
The Morris County Library is located at 30 East Hanover Avenue, Whippany directly across the street from the Frelinghuysen Arboretum.
For more information on the Morris County Heritage Commission click here.
PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy EMS, Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers, Parsippany District #5 Fire Department, along with their Haz-Mat Team responded to the Parsippany Sewer Plant for a chemical spill.
It was determined that a valve broke on a 330 gallon storage container causing the product to drain from the container exposing one employee, along with an officer who responded to the incident, to Peroxyacetic Acid.
The Sewer Plant employee received minor chemical burns, and due to the proximity the officer came to the spill, he also reported symptoms consist with exposure to the chemical. Both individuals were decontaminated and transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment and later released. Clean up efforts, which were performed by a private company, continued into the evening.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Department of Environmental Protection is advising the public to avoid swimming in or contact with Lake Hopatcong water due to an extensive Harmful Algal Bloom, or HAB, confirmed this week by aerial surveillance.
Using highly specialized sensors, the DEP’s Division of Water Monitoring and Standards’ aerial surveillance on Wednesday confirmed that large areas of Lake Hopatcong are experiencing cyanobacteria blooms. The rapid spread of the bloom may be the result of heavy rainfall carrying nutrient-laden stormwater into the lake, followed by periods of warm weather. The DEP will monitor cyanobacteria levels until the lake is determined to be safe for recreational contact. Based on the widespread nature of the HAB, the recreational advisory may be in place for weeks, if not longer. The duration of a Harmful Algal Bloom is unpredictable and may be influenced by availability of nutrients and weather conditions. In many cases in 2018, HAB was observed on water bodies well into the fall season. Often referred to as blue-green algae, cyanobacteria are not true algae but are capable of excessive growth through photosynthesis. Cyanobacteria blooms are usually a bright green, but can also appear as spilled paint, “pea soup,” or as having a thick coating or “mat” on the surface. These blooms can often be confused for typical algae blooms. Exposure can cause a range of health effects, including rashes, allergy-like reactions, flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis, respiratory irritation, skin rashes and eye irritation.
As a precaution, the DEP is recommending that local health authorities close all public swimming beaches along the lake due to the widespread nature of the bloom. Straddled by Sussex, Passaic and Morris counties, Lake Hopatcong is New Jersey’s largest lake and is a popular tourist and vacation destination. The DEP is working through the Lake Hopatcong Commission to notify municipal governments and local health agencies of the advisory. Recreational exposure can occur while swimming, wading and during watersport activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, wind-surfing and paddle-boarding. The DEP is advising the public to avoid these activities and all contact with water from Lake Hopatcong until further notice. People also should not eat fish caught in the lake or allow pets to come in contact with lake water or drink the water. Limited blooms were reported and responded to by the DEP in Lake Hopatcong beginning on June 17. In recent days, the DEP has received more than 30 reports of HABs on Lake Hopatcong, including reports of people experiencing mild skin rashes after coming in contact with lake water.
Because monitoring indicated the blooms were becoming more widespread, the DEP conducted aerial surveillance using a highly specialized sensor to estimate cell counts. Estimated cell counts in many areas of the lake exceeded health guidance levels. The DEP is conducting ongoing water sampling to confirm levels. Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers. Under suitable environmental conditions – sunlight, high nutrients, warm temperatures and calm water – dense cyanobacterial blooms can form. In recent years, the DEP and the New Jersey Department of Health have been enhancing Harmful Algal Bloom surveillance and response efforts across the state. In 2017, the DEP launched a campaign to educate the public about these blooms and provide resources on how to report them to the DEP. The “Avoid It and Report It” campaign advises the public to take the following steps when a suspicious bloom is observed:
• Avoid contact with water in the vicinity of the bloom, especially in areas where the bloom is dense and forms scum;
• Do not drink or consume the water;
• Do not eat fish from the waterbody;
• Keep pets and livestock away from the water;
• Do not allow animals to drink the water, eat dried algae, or groom themselves after coming into contact with the water;
• People, pets and livestock that come into contact with a bloom should rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible;
• Seek medical attention or a veterinarian if a person or animal is experiencing adverse health effects after exposure to a bloom;
• Report a suspected HAB by calling the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337) send a mobile alert through the WARN NJDEP mobile app (available via iTunes, Google Play or Windows Phone) or report via the DEP’s HAB website by clicking here.
The state’s response strategy covers freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams with potential public access, recreational use, and freshwater bathing beaches (including licensed beaches). While these waterbodies may also be sources of drinking water in New Jersey, the focus of the response strategy is recreational use. DEP works closely with drinking water systems to plan for HABs as well as all other drinking water emergencies. The DEP’s HAB website is available by clicking here.
contains information on both freshwater cyanobacterial HABs, and a variety of marine water HABs. Highlights include an electronic cyanobacterial HAB Reporting Form, downloadable Advisory signs and flyers for use for HAB events, a general cyanobacterial fact sheet, and a more detailed fact sheet on recreational exposure and health effects related to cyanobacterial HABs. General information about cyanobacterial HABs, what to do if people or pets are exposed, links to the EPA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s HABs websites and other resources, as well as a gallery of both HAB and non-HAB photos of lakes and streams, are also provided. For questions regarding the freshwater harmful algal bloom strategy, call DEP’s Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring at (609) 292-0427 or email njcyanohabs@dep.nj.gov.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board has recommended $2.9 million in county grants from the county’s 2019 Preservation Trust Fund to help preserve, restore, or protect 26 historic sites in 18 towns across Morris County.
Recommendations made to the Morris County Board of Freeholders include grants ranging from $10,175 for construction documents for the Acorn Hall carriage house in Morristown to $70,833 towards roof replacement on the Union Schoolhouse in Washington Township, and $480,000 towards acquisition of the historic Richards Block property in Dover.
The freeholders were briefed on the projects by Review Board Chairwoman Nita Galate. They will vote on the grant recommendations at their July 10 public meeting in Wharton.
The grant money comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. All 29 applications received this year received grants.
Projects recommended for awards are located in Parsippany, Boonton, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, Florham Park, Hanover, Madison, Mine Hill, Morristown, Morris Township, Mount Olive, Netcong, Pequannock, Randolph, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, and Washington Township.
Of 29 recommended grants, 11 are construction grants while the other 18 are for non-construction purposes, such as planning or construction documents.
“The restoration, rehabilitation, and preservation efforts that are aided by this voter-approved grant program allows us to get a hands-on understanding of our county’s history and maintains important links to our past, ’’ said Freeholder Stephen Shaw.
“The dedicated people working to maintain our history, providing lessons for the present and ensuring an inheritance for the future, deserve our sincere thanks,’’ said Ray Chang, Historic Preservation Program Coordinator for Morris County. “Their efforts, supported by these grants, ensure that our county’s heritage and architectural legend are sustained.”
Awards are recommended for projects that meet program evaluation criteria in categories of construction, preservation planning, and creation of construction documents.
Criteria include historic significance, relationship of the project to community revitalization, preservation of the built or natural environment, and heritage education and tourism.
Other factors are the degree to which projects promote preservation activity, represent innovative design, reach new audiences, offer significant contributions to advancement of historic preservation; and restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive use plans of historic buildings and cultural landscapes.
Review Board Chairwoman Galate said all projects were thoroughly reviewed, including site visits, and that funding decisions were made after lengthy discussion. She highlighted two projects recommended for funding this year:
Richards Block, Town of Dover
The 1869 Richards Block is a key contributing resource in the Blackwell Street National Register Historic District.
Erected by the town’s first mayor, George Richards, it represents one of the largest and most distinct examples of the district’s eclectic character.
$480,000 acquisition funding is recommended for Dover, which closed on the property last year.
Mount Vernon School, Township of Chatham
The circa 1860 building served as a local school and Sunday school until 1928. It later was a community center and later as a town hall, until it finally became a local history museum.
This would be the first site in Chatham Township to receive historic preservation funding.
$22,800 in funding is recommended to the Historical Society of the Chatham Township to provide for the completion of a National Register Nomination and a Preservation Plan.
Other projects recommended for grants, and the towns in which they are located, include, Boonton, Boonton Train Trestle and the Stone Arched Bridge; Chatham Township, Mount Vernon School; Denville, Ayres Farm Tenant House; Dover, Arthur Condict House and Richards Block; Florham Park, Little Red Schoolhouse; and Hanover Township, Whippany Burying Yard.
Madison, Museum of Early Trades and Crafts; Mine Hill, Bridget Smith House; Morristown, Acorn Hall Carriage House, Willow Hall, Historic Speedwell Waterwheel, Schuyler Hamilton House; Morris Township, Willows at Fosterfields; and Mount Olive, former Baptist Church.
Netcong, Growing Stage; Parsippany, Smith-Baldwin House and Richardson History House; Pequannock, Martin Berry House; Randolph, Friends Meeting House; Rockaway Township, Ford-Faesch House; Roxbury, Lafayette School, Morris Canal Plane 2 East, and Lake Hopatcong Train Station; and Washington Township, Union School House.
County voters in 2002 approved an amendment to the county’s Preservation Trust Fund to include the acquisition and preservation of historic sites and facilities.
Since 2003, when the first grants were awarded, 103 sites or resources in 32 Morris County municipalities have received funding assistance.
For more information on Morris County’s historic preservation program click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Health Department was notified that a stray cat found on Concord Way in the Powder Mill section 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.
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) appeared in front of the Committee on Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Select Revenue to urge passage of her bipartisan SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, H.R. 2624. Representative Sherrill’s bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Peter King (R-NY), and Gil Cisneros (D-CA), and endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers and National Association of Realtors.
Full text below:
Thank you, Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Smith, and Members of the Committee for the opportunity to testify today.
The 2017 tax bill’s cap on the state and local tax deduction, known as “SALT,” is the number one issue I hear about in North Jersey. Since 1913, the SALT deduction has protected many taxpayers from double taxation by allowing them to deduct all state and local taxes from their federal tax liability. That all changed in 2017, when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposed a $10,000 cap on the SALT deduction.
The SALT cap calls into question the very notion of federalism that underpins our government. Let’s be clear: this policy is unprecedented. It violates 150 years of settled federal tax law. And as my friend and New Jersey colleague, Rep. Pascrell, noted earlier: this is a double-tax, and it is punitive.
New Jersey is one of four states challenging the SALT cap in federal court because this is a direct, targeted assault on particular states and particular communities. By capping deductions on state and local taxes, the 2017 tax law imposes a penalty on taxpayers based solely on the circumstances of where they live. It interferes with cities and states’ authority to make their own choices about how to invest in and govern themselves.
Mr. Chairman, nothing is more important to peoples’ daily lives than the ability to afford to live and work in safe communities with good schools and strong public and private resources. Congress made that much harder for tens of thousands of New Jersey families, the ones I represent. There is a misconception that the SALT deduction does not help the middle class, or working families. That is certainly not true in New Jersey
In 2016, every county in New Jersey – except one – had an average SALT deduction above $10,000. In Morris County, the average SALT deduction in 2016 was more than $23,500. As Mr. Pascrell has pointed out, the vast majority of New Jersey residents affected by the SALT are households with middle incomes between $75,000 to $200,000. Just think what that does for teachers in my district. Families in my community have seen their taxes go up because of the SALT deduction cap and, as a result, they are questioning whether or not they can afford to live in New Jersey.
Don’t take my word for it. A recent survey from the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants showed that 60-percent of respondents said that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the number of clients they would advise to leave the state.
This highlights the failure of the 2017 tax bill. The non-partisan Congressional Research Service recently released a report on economic effects of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Let me quote it: “On the whole, the growth effects show a relatively small (if any) first-year effect on the economy.”
This trillion-dollar tax law hurt small New Jersey businesses without helping the economy. It increased the deficit instead of increasing wages. It penalized married couples filing jointly. And in a state like New Jersey, it only further penalizes my neighbors who send more money to Washington in federal tax dollars – and get back less – than residents of almost any other state.
Here’s a message I received from Mayor Bruce Harris of Chatham Borough in my district: “The story for Chatham Borough is pretty simple. The average property tax bill is about $14,100, so 40% is no longer deductible. Obviously that impacts people’s pockets; it also impacts housing values. NJ is a ‘payer’ state – it sends much more to the federal government than it receives back. New produce a good share of the nation’s wealth, but are being penalized for that. And, need I mention that we can’t even get decent funding from the feds for infrastructure repairs such as the Gateway Tunnel?”
I understand why my constituents do not feel Washington is working for them. The SALT cap is simply taking money out of the pockets of New Jerseyans and rewarding mostly-wealthy residents in states that don’t share our commitment to invest in quality schools and public services.
What’s more, the SALT tax cap is an active threat to penalize any state or local government that decides to invest in its future. That is why New Jersey and three other states are challenging it in federal court.<
This administration, unfortunately, is arguing that the SALT cap is not a “gun to the head” of states. That may be true. But, as a federal judge pointed out in a hearing just last week,” …it’s a rope to the neck with a gradual squeezing over time.”
While I am committed to full repeal, I also owe it to the people of New Jersey to offer proposals that can garner bipartisan support.
That’s why I recently introduced the bipartisan SALT Relief and Marriage Penalty Act with Representatives Stefanik, King, and Cisneros. My bill, H.R. 2624, would make the SALT deduction equal to the standard deduction taken by taxpayers: $12,000 for individual filers; $18,000 for Head of Households; and $24,000 for joint filers
Mr. Chairman, these are the hardworking people across this country being hurt. We owe them a solution and we owe them a vote. Thank you.
Maryam Abdelhalim
Meagan Bostek
Madelyn Cantrell
Ryan Christofferson
Lauren DePietro
Shruthi Gopinath
Rigo Perez
Vallika Saraswat
Jade To
Christopher Velicky
Michelle Wong
PHHS Top 25 Students
Meagan Bostek
Lauren DePietro
Teresa Folan
Shruthi Gopinath
Amanda Gurth
Ying-Yi Hsu
Eren Jan
Jai Joshi
Margueritte Lalo
Audrey Lee
Tyler Lee
Matthew Lin
Sarah Ludvigsen
Mia Maccarella
Aryam Padhiar
Dev Patel
Tirth Patel
Winnie Shin
Jack Summa
Jubin Thomas
Christopher Velicky
Neha Vijay
Abigail Wilson
Philip Yao
Kyril Yurchuk
PHHS Volleyball Parents’ Association Scholarship
Jaclyn Carifi
Princess Anne Millard Scholarship / AKA Sorority
Jason Reid
Richard C. Davis Jr. Scholarship
Connor Schaefer-Jones
Rocco A. Cerbo Memorial Scholarship
Asher Thurer
Spencer Savings Bank Scholarship
Frank Baccaro
Steadfast Viking Award
Ying-Yi Hsu
Student Council Award
Teresa Folan
Ruth Kowalski
Kyril Yurchuk
Sunrise ShopRite Continuing Education Grant
Jack Summa
Tom Cook Memorial Scholarship – Par Troy West Little League
Casey Gorczyca
Victoria Huss
Joseph Parente
Tom Ladas Memorial Scholarship
Jaclyn Carifi
US Marine Corps Award for Scholastic Excellence
Audrey Lee
US Marine Corps Distinguished Athletic Awards
Meagan Bostek
US Marine Corps Distinguished Athletic Awards
Christopher Velicky
US Marine Corps Patriotism Award
Janki Patel
US Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Band Award
Connor Seredvick
Vincent Lorenzo Male Athlete Award
Frank Baccaro
Wegmans Scholarship / Wegmans Food Market
Cameron Boyle
Ciana Leal
Cody Ruth
William Lu Class of 1977 Educator Awards – in Honor of Claire Pompei
Joanna Garcia
William Lu Class of 1977 Educator Awards – in Honor of Ed Heilmeier
Virginia Lanza
Woman’s Club of Parsippany – Troy Hills Scholarship
MORRIS COUNTY — What goes better with a hot summer day than the cold taste of a delicious ice cream treat! On Sunday, August 4, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., take the family to Bamboo Brook OEC in Chester Township to enjoy an old-fashioned summer day filled with games, such as hoops and sticks, croquet, a yo-yo contest, and more. Watch the duck races as entries float through the site’s water features among historic gardens. Bring your camera along for a scenic guided tour. Plan on relaxing? Take your favorite lawn chair and blanket, and even a picnic basket, and enjoy an ice cream treat.
Bamboo Brook’s gardens were designed by Martha Brookes Hutcheson, one of the first women landscape architects in the United States. These gardens were designed for cool fun on hot summer days. So travel back in time to see these gardens in their full summer glory. Cost is $8.00 per person. Pre-registration is required. To register click here or call (973) 326-7601.
The Morris County Park Commission features one of the region’s best park systems in the state of New Jersey. It currently protects and maintains 20,197 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!
PARSIPPANY — Katherine (Katie) Lips was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies by Montclair State University.
She minored in Business. Katie had internships with Chavez For Charity, Transition Professionals and a co op with UPS. She participated in the Peetey Greene program in which she tutored an inmate who is working toward his GED at Northern State Prison.
She played midfield on the MSU Club Field Hockey team and served as Vice President for two years.
Katie is a 2015 graduate of Parsippany High School. She is currently working at UPS.
MORRIS COUNTY — Forever Home Dog Rescue rescued Pugsley and his siblings from a high kills shelter in NC and they are now living in foster homes in New Jersey. The puppies are about 12-14 weeks old and they were owner surrendered because of the owner’s poor health. The owner told the shelter their mom is AKC Belgian Malinois and the guess is their dad is some type of a mix, maybe lab mix. Pugsley has a shiny black coat with white under his chin and chest. And, he currently weighs 17-18 pounds.
Pugsley has a shiny black coat with white under his chin and chest.
This is what Pugsley’s foster family has to say about him…..”Pugsley is so very sweet! He is affectionate and enjoys cuddling and being around people. Give him a belly rub and he will be very happy puppy! This sweet and calm puppy likes playing with my 2 dogs, playing in the yard and he loves playing with toys! When he wants to be petted, Pugsley will sit patiently and just wait for you to pet him. He is a very smart puppy and he is learning quickly from my dogs. He sleeps through the night without having accidents and he is doing very good with house training. Pugsley is laid back, sweet and cuddly!”
We are sure when you meet Pugsley, you will fall in love!!
Please email FHDR@att.net for an adoption application if interested in adopting this sweet pup! You can see more photos and a video clip of him as well as other adoptable pups by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Businesses that make charitable food donations would be permitted to deduct contributions from their state income taxes under a measure that cleared the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee today. The bill A1914, sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber, would mirror the federal income tax deduction for food donations made from business inventory.
“New Jerseyans are some of the most charitable people in the world,” said Webber (Morris). “It’s time the state starts to reward businesses that make the effort to eliminate waste and help feed the hungry. By offering an incentive like a state tax deduction, we hope to reward those who already do good, encourage more donations, and recognize the businesses that selflessly serve our communities.”
More than a dozen states, including neighboring New York and Delaware, already offer some type of a state-level income tax deduction for charitable food donations. Legislation seeking to create a deduction in New Jersey has been introduced every year for over a decade.
“This is an important piece of legislation that needs to get over the finish line,” said Webber.
To be eligible for the deduction, businesses would have to make the donation to an organization that the IRS has determined is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. In addition, the food must fit the federal definition of “apparently wholesome food,” which means it meets all quality and labeling standards imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
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.