Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2019 Taste will be held Monday, 9-9-19 at the Hilton Hotel, One Hilton Court, Parsippany from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening, community wide celebration of food showcasing culinary specialties in the Parsippany Area, a spectacular auction, display tables, entertainment, tarot card and palm readers and so much more.
“This is about supporting the community, giving exposure to businesses, people learning about restaurants,” Peluso said. “Taste of Parsippany Area is about giving a kickstart to the local economy.”
Advance tickets are only $45.00 and are available by clicking here. Tickets at the door will be $55.00.
We are also seeking restaurants and food vendors to display their products.
For more information regarding “Taste of Parsippany Area 2019” contact Ildiko Peluso at ipeluso@valley.com or call the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at (973) 402-6400. You can also view our website by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Foundation President Frank Cahill presented, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Arthur Ohlsen IV with a donation of $500.00 supporting the Police Unity Tour.
The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who have died in the line of duty.
The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Arthur Ohlsen IV is riding to Washington in memory of his father, the late Arthur Ohlsen III of the Dover Police Department.
Officer Arthur Ohlsen III was struck and killed by a New Jersey Transit train on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 while responding to reports of a brush fire near the railroad tracks under the South Salem Street overpass.
Officer Ohlsen was directing fire department personnel to the scene when he was struck. He was flown to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries 45 minutes later.
Officer Ohlsen had served with the Town of Dover Police Department for 18 years, and is survived by his wife and two sons. At the time of his death he was 44 years old.
Members of various police departments, including Patrolman Arthur Ohlsen IV, come together to pedal in praise of their fallen comrades in the Police Unity Tour. Hundreds of police officers rode their bicycles from New York to Washington, D.C., to remember those whose lives were lost in the line of duty.
In May 1997, the Police Unity Tour was organized, by Officer Patrick P. Montuore of the Florham Park Police Department, with the hope of bringing public awareness of Police Officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices. What started with 18 riders on a four day fundraising bicycle ride from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Has grown into nine chapters consisting of nearly 2500 members nationwide who make the trip annually.
This past May we were proud to announce that the Police Unity Tour was able to donate 2.6 million dollars to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund bringing our total donations to almost 23 million dollars.
NEW JERSEY — New Jersey’s program to make community college tuition-free for certain students, which began with a pilot at 13 county colleges, is being expanded to cover eligible students at all 19 county colleges in the current spring semester.
“With this expansion, students in need at all 19 of our community colleges will have access to an education that is within financial reach and allows them to worry about their grades instead of how they will pay for school,” said Governor Murphy. “We know that if our students can obtain a higher education, our communities become more prosperous, their employers become more competitive, and the state economy becomes more innovative and attractive to businesses. I look forward to providing this critical opportunity to students at all 19 community colleges for the upcoming Fall and Spring semester.”
Thirteen county colleges across New Jersey began piloting the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) program in January 2019, while all 19 county colleges indicated interest through their application for the Community College Innovation Challenge last summer. The expansion will provide qualifying students with the ability to attend county college tuition-free this spring at these six additional schools: Brookdale Community College; County College of Morris; Essex County College; Raritan Valley Community College; Rowan College at Burlington County; and Sussex County Community College.
Students across the state now will be eligible for CCOG if they meet the requirements of enrolling in at least 6 credits this spring, making satisfactory academic progress, coming from families with adjusted gross incomes between $0 and $45,000, and having a completed application for federal and state financial aid. Such students are eligible for CCOG, which is a “last-dollar” grant that covers any gap remaining between their tuition and covered educational fees and all other financial aid grants they receive. Current students who are already enrolled at these six additional institutions will be processed for potential CCOG eligibility over the next few weeks; students do not need to complete any additional application to be considered for eligibility.
“We initially pursued a pilot approach at 13 community colleges to ensure that the program costs did not exceed the funds appropriated. Throughout the pilot, all 19 county colleges have been working to build capacity for the program expansion and to share learnings and best practices during implementation with the goal of expanding in the fall,” said Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis. “We are delighted to announce that we now have room to expand this opportunity even earlier than anticipated to benefit all eligible students statewide.”
“The 19 county colleges recently provided detailed information about all of the students enrolled this Spring. Our analysis of these data shows that the current Fiscal Year 2019 funding for CCOG will be able to cover eligible students at all 19 county colleges, as a greater share of students are receiving other aid this semester, including Federal Pell grants and State TAG, than was the case in prior years” said David Socolow, Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. “We are delighted that students at New Jersey’s county colleges are hearing about this initiative to make college more affordable.”
The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) are jointly administering this funding opportunity. To learn more about the Community College Opportunity Grant click here.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Girl Scout troop 97392 is currently working on their bronze award. For this project, the troop has decided to make activity boxes for children who are in St. Clare’s hospital as part of the Jared Box project. These boxes will contain small items like travel size board games, small crafts and books.
Please support by making donations of Small Stuffed Animals, Markers/Crayons/Colored Pencils, Coloring Books, Travel Size Games, Notepads, Books, Sticker Books, Fidget Cubes, Small Toys, Fuzzy Socks, Magazines and Cards.
Donations can be left in the donation box at Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard until Monday, May 20.
For more information, please feel free to contact the troop at troop97392@gmail.com.
PARSIPPANY — Local Grill Master Hector Estrada was recently named one of the top steak masters in the country. The Parsippany LongHorn Steakhouse Grill Master took home the regional win after competing in the Steak Master Series, an epic culinary competition where the restaurant’s grilling experts are put to the test on their relentless execution of grilling quality steaks for each guest. Estrada is one of 60 team members from across the country to achieve this distinction, out of the more than 5,000 who were invited to participate in the competition. Parsippany LongHorn is located at 690 Route 46, and is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Every LongHorn Steakhouse restaurant in the country has a team of certified Grill Masters who are specially trained in the art of grilling,” said Thomas Hall, executive vice president of operations at LongHorn Steakhouse. “We’re all about quality, and Hector has proved day in and day out that he is passionate about serving great quality steaks to our guests. That passion and expertise really came to life during the competition.”
Estrada, a Hopatcong, resident who has worked at LongHorn for four years, says his favorite parts of the job are the atmosphere, learning new things every day and serving others.
Here are a few top things to know about Estrada:
His No. 1 grilling tip is to stay clean and organized.
He says the Steak Master Series was “challenging, exciting and nerve-wracking.”
He says that the fact that he is “always happy at work” and “looking for things to learn every day” helped him in the competition.
The fourth annual Steak Master Series, which awards cash prizes totaling more than $200,000, celebrates LongHorn’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship on the grill. This year’s competition began at the restaurant level, where grill cooks across more than 510 LongHorn locations competed to move on to the regional round. Estrada will soon grill off at the semi-final rounds for the chance to become one of seven top contenders to battle in the finals at LongHorn’s headquarters in Orlando in May.
For more than three decades, these Grill Masters have perfected their craft of grilling legendary steaks – from selecting the right cut to boldly seasoning with the restaurant’s secret blends and grilling to perfection. For more information about LongHorn Steakhouse, or to find a nearby restaurant click here.
LongHorn Steakhouse is known for fresh, boldly seasoned and expertly grilled steaks – like the signature bone-in Outlaw Ribeye® – all served in a relaxed, warm atmosphere inspired by a rancher’s home. LongHorn has more than 510 restaurants across 41 states and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others in the community. As part of this commitment, LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants have donated nearly 19.4 million pounds of food to local non-profit organizations across the country.
PARSIPPANY — Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) plans to trim trees along more than 3,300 miles of power lines in 2019 across JCP&L’s 13-county northern and central New Jersey service areas, which includes Parsippany. This work helps keep power flowing to customers around the clock by preventing tree-related outages.
Conducted by certified forestry contractors under the company’s direction, JCP&L’s tree trimming program includes inspecting vegetation near the lines to ensure trees are pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining proper clearances around electrical equipment. Trees that present a danger or are diseased may also be removed. Since the beginning of the year, tree contractors have trimmed more than 1,010 circuit miles of electric lines in the JCP&L service area, with an additional 2,320 miles expected to be completed by year end. The company plans to spend nearly $31 million in 2019 on its tree-trimming program.
“Our foresters and certified tree experts work year-round to properly maintain trees and vegetation, helping reduce both the frequency and duration of power outages,” said Alex Patton, vice president, Operations, JCP&L. “This work is making a positive difference in keeping the lights on for our customers and more quickly restoring service in the wake of severe weather, which can cause tremendous damage to trees that then damage our equipment.”
This year’s tree trimming program has a special focus on identifying and proactively removing deteriorated ash trees near JCP&L electric distribution lines that have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle that originated in Asia and was first confirmed in the U.S. in 2002. The infestation has spread to New Jersey and more than 35 states. As of late March, more than 3,440 dead and dying ash trees have been removed, primarily along distribution lines in JCP&L’s northern service territory.
JCP&L works with municipalities to inform them of vegetation management schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way are notified prior to work being performed. To further decrease tree-related outages, JCP&L’s foresters also are working to educate residents who live near company equipment about the importance of properly maintaining the trees on their own property.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Rotary Club, dormant for the past year or so, is experiencing a revival. A group of fifteen former members and prospective new members recently met with Rotary District leadership to map out a plan for resurrecting the club.
The next meeting is Wednesday, May 8, 7:30 a.m., at the Parsippany IHOP, 792 Route 46 and costs $12.00 for breakfast. This, and all Rotary meetings, is open to the public to encourage anyone who would like to learn more about Rotary and its value in the community. The meeting will end by 8:45 a.m. for most people to get to work on time.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary Club was originally founded in 1955. For over 60 years the club was a positive force in the community, providing funding for scholarships to graduating seniors from both Parsippany High Schools, an annual Distinguished Service Award dinner that recognized the community service of various local citizens, equipment for a playground for disabled children, the “Officer Phil – Stranger Danger” program in the elementary schools and many other programs that benefit the community.
For more information, or to reserve your seat at the May 8 breakfast meeting, please contact Bruce Downing at brucehdowning@gmail.com or (973) 713-9344, or Sam Maddali at smaddalirx@yahoo.com or (973) 945-5165.
To learn more about Rotary in your community click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of Freeholders has proclaimed April as Sarcoidosis (Sar-Coy-Doe-Sis) Awareness Month in Morris County, to help call attention to this lesser-known disease and efforts to foster research that could lead to effective treatment.
Representatives of the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research joined the Board of Freeholders to accept the proclamation at the county government meeting in Morristown on Wednesday, April 24. Included were Mary Morlino of Hanover Township, Mary Cobb of Morris Township, Bridget Hillman of Hanover Township, and Cathy Wick, who is the New Jersey Ambassador for the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research or FSR.
“An estimated 200,000 people in the nation, including residents of Morris County, are affected by this debilitating and deadly multi-organ disease, which has no known cure nor reliable treatment,” said Freeholder Director Doug Cabana. “It can affect people of any age, race, or gender, but is most common among adults between ages of 20 and 40, and the rate of incidence is higher in African Americans.”
“We have asked these residents of our county to come here tonight, to accept this proclamation, so we can help call attention to this disease and their efforts to improve the quality of life and prognosis of those living with this disease, and to encourage more research to find effective treatments.”
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—in one or more organs of the body. When the immune system goes into overdrive and too many of these clumps form, they can interfere with an organ’s structure and function. When left unchecked, chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, which is the permanent scarring of organ tissue.
This disorder affects the lungs in approximately 90% of cases, but it can affect almost any organ in the body. Despite increasing advances in research, sarcoidosis remains difficult to diagnose with limited treatment options and no known cure.
Volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life and prognosis of those living with this disease, and but much more research is needed to find effective treatments.
For a wealth of information on Sarcoidosis, including symptoms, treatments, research and support, click here.
PARSIPPANY — BSA Girl Troop 72 Parsippany, BSA Boy Troop 72 Parsippany, Cub Scout Pack 142 Parsippany, and Cub Scout Pack 215 Parsippany joined together with the township’s Parks and Forestry Department to continue a longstanding tradition.
In 1972, then-Parks Director Joseph Jannarone Sr. introduced an idea: presenting every third grader in town with his or her very own tree seedling. Over the passing decades, many trees in this town—a national Tree City USA since 1975—have grown from the plantings made by local school children.
The scouts packing the seedlings
The scouts packing the seedlings
Matthew Bondarowicz, Troop 72
Michael Zeak, Troop 72
Adam Pokrzywa, Troop 72
Justin Bondarowicz, Troop 72
Charles Dohm, Troop 72
Keith Nguyen, Troop 72, packing the seedlings to give out at Town Hall
For 2019, the tradition continued as the scouts gathered at the Parks and Forestry building on Knoll Road to prepare pine tree seedlings, which were distributed to third graders Friday, Arbor Day. The scouts have assisted in this endeavor for several years, and in that time have committed several hundred hours to this project alone.
Arbor Day (from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Today, many countries observe this holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.
Residents can pick up tree seedlings at Town Hall From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. through next Friday, May 3. Seedlings, are available on a first come, first served basis, and also come with instructions on how to store, care for, and plant them. Residents should plant the seedlings within two days after pick-up in order to prevent the roots from drying out. Please note only take two (2) seedlings per household.
Parsippany will celebrate Arbor Day on Monday, April 29 at 10:00 a.m. Come Raise the Tree City Flag at Town Hall.
This letter was sent to Mountain Lake’s Mayor Barnett and The Mountain Lakes Council:
I would like to take a moment of your time to express my concerns for the Hotel and Wawa that is being proposed to the Borough of Mountain Lakes. I am a resident of Parsippany and live off Fox Hill Road and travel past the proposed site whenever I leave or return to my home. The Parsippany Focus has a quote from Jim Smith, a Partner of Highview Homes as saying “Developer doesn’t see any impact on the surrounding area, since both businesses are highway driven and there is no reason to exit into the local neighborhoods.”
As a resident, I beg to differ and believe the current plan will in fact impact me as well as any others who live along the Fox Hill Corridor. Mr. Smith makes reference to both businesses being highway driven, yet the current plan only has one access point along the Route 46 with two planned access points along Fox Hill Road. If these businesses are highway driven, why is there only one access point for a 100+ room hotel and a convenience store with a gas station. Truth be told, any west bound traffic heading to these locations will be diverted onto Fox Hill Road as a primary entry point onto this proposed property. There is no doubt in my mind that this will only create more congestion during the morning when busses head to Morris County Vo Tech and in the evening when the residents of the Fox Hill Corridor return home from work.
While I’ve come to realize that projects such as these will benefit the Borough, I respectfully request that the Borough take into consideration the concerns of the neighboring communities. It is my belief that many are opposed to the current plan and will take advantage of public meetings. If the possibility exists, the Borough may want to consider holding a special meeting so that residents from surrounding communities can address any concerns that may exist and be presented with facts from the developer and Borough.
Thank You in advance for your time Andrew Sadowski Parsippany Resident
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, March 27, Albin Mullan, eighth grader at Central Middle School in Parsippany, received the exciting news he was anxiously awaiting….an invitation to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee!
Albin recently won Central Middle School’s school wide spelling bee on February 26 and now has the honor and distinction of being able to participate in the nationwide competition. This competition was started 92 years ago and, according to Scripps, it was designed to “help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.” Currently, with the help of his English teacher and coach, Mrs. Joanne Hirsch, Albin is preparing for this challenging experience by assiduously studying Greek and Latin roots, foreign vocabulary and obscure English words.
The competition is held over five days, May 26-30 in National Harbor, Maryland. On Monday, May 26, all contestants will take a spelling/vocabulary test. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the top scorers will then go on to Round 2 and 3 on stage spelling competitions. No more than 50 students will advance to the finals. On Thursday, May 30, the Primetime Finals will begin and on Friday, May 31, the awards banquet will be held. The top prize for the champion is a $50,000 cash prize and a Scripps National Spelling Bee engraved trophy. Other substantial cash prizes are awarded to finalists in 2nd to th place.
This is a very highly prestigious and distinguished competition and a very costly one at that. The initial enrollment fee is $1500. In addition, contestants are required to stay six nights at the Gaylord National Resort which costs almost $2,000 and the student and his family are also responsible for all transportation costs and meals.
Let’s all root for Albin! Congratulations and Good Luck!!
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Zeris Inn which has banquet facilities located at 372 Route 46 for over 45 years is looking to sell their property valued at $2,912,700.00 to Highview Homes.
On Monday, April 23, Highview Homes presented a “conceptual plan” to the Mayor and Council at the Mountain Lakes Township Council Meeting.
The conceptual plan includes a Home2 Suites by Hilton, three-story hotel with 112 suites and a Wawa Gas Station with a convenience store. According to the conceptual plan, there will be an entrance and exit on both Route 46 and Fox Hill Road. The Home2 Suites would occupy 22,870 square feet. There will be no restaurants within the hotel.
It is estimated when the property is finished it will have an approximate assessment of $25 million. The current property is assessed for $2,912,700.00. The land was assessed at $1,910,000.00 and the improvements to the property were assessed at $1,002,700.00.
Zeris Brothers, Inc., pays $74,914.64 annually in taxes to Mountain Lakes.
“Developer doesn’t see any impact on the surrounding area, since both businesses are highway driven and there is no reason to exit into the local neighborhoods,” said Jim Smith, Partner of Highview Homes.
New Jersey law imposes a Hotel Tax of 5% hotel occupancy fee to be paid on short-term accommodations of fewer than 90 consecutive days. Then a portion of the Hotel Tax is disbursed to the municipalities where the hotels are located. Parsippany which contains numerous hotels received $2,597,551.52 “Hotel Tax” from the State of New Jersey in 2018.
In addition to the New Jersey Hotel Tax, municipalities, is authorized to amend or adopt an ordinance to impose a Municipal Occupancy Tax of up to 3% on charges for hotel and motel occupancies in their municipality.
<img class=”wp-image-2975 size-full” src=”http://morrisfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Dynamic-Wawa-Mountain-Lakes-Concept-Rendering.gif” alt=”” width=”720″ height=”672″ /> The conceptual plan of Home2 Suites by Hilton, a gas station and convenience store by Wawa
The property of 372 Route 46, Block 2, Lot 2, borders Denville on one side and Parsippany-Troy Hills on another.
Home2 Suites by Hilton is an affordable, all-suite extended-stay hotel featuring contemporary accommodations and customizable guest room design. Other Home2 Suites by Hilton located in New Jersey include <span class=”spanLink”>Hasbrouck Heights, </span><span class=”spanLink”>Bordentown, </span><span class=”spanLink”>Edison, </span><span class=”spanLink”>Newark Airport and </span><span class=”spanLink”>Rahway.</span>
<img class=”size-full wp-image-2977″ src=”http://morrisfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/home-2-suites.gif” alt=”” width=”720″ height=”480″ /> A sample of a Two Room Suite with living area
Home2 Suites by Hilton is one of the fastest-growing brands in the history of Hilton, is a mid-tier, all-suite, award-winning extended-stay hotel concept designed to offer stylish accommodations with flexible guest room configurations and inspired amenities for the cost-conscious guest. With a commitment to environmentally friendly products and hotel operations, Home2 Suites offers complimentary breakfast selections with hundreds of combinations; innovative and customizable guest room designs; laundry and fitness areas; complimentary Wi-Fi internet access; multiple outdoor spaces; 24-hour business centers; expansive community spaces; and pet-friendly environments. Home2 Suites by Hilton has more than 235 hotels, and more than 415 in the pipeline.
<img class=”size-full wp-image-2978″ src=”http://morrisfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/wawagasparkinglot.jpg” alt=”” width=”700″ height=”467″ /> Wawa gas pumps located on New Road, Parsippany
Wawa started as a New Jersey iron foundry in 1803, and then became a dairy processing plant in Wawa, Pennsylvania, in 1902. The first Wawa Food Market opened in 1964 in Folsom, Pennsylvania, as an outlet for the company’s dairy products. Wawa now has more than 750 convenience stores and serves more than 400 million customers a year in six East Coast states—Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida. It offers one-stop shopping for gas, coffee and food, and is known for its friendly and welcoming staff—but that’s just the beginning.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township was named a 2019 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. More information on the program is available by clicking here.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member non-profit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information is available by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY – The New Jersey AIDS Walk, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization which collaborates with several New Jersey cities that are home to leading HIV/AIDS service organizations.
This year’s event will be held on Sunday, May 5. PRIDE Run Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., PRIDE Run begins at 9:00 a.m. AIDS Walk Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., AIDS Walk begins at 1:00 p.m. in Central Park of Morris County.
On this day, thousands of people throughout New Jersey will walk in solidarity in an effort to support those living with HIV/AIDS in the Garden State.
It is a yearly example that Jersey Strong means compassion, community and commitment. Despite incredible progress, New Jersey continues to rank among the ten states with the highest rate of HIV infection in the country.
With over 40,000 people currently living with HIV in New Jersey, we are in great need of community support. Join us in fighting this pandemic by walking with us in the 2019 New Jersey AIDS Walk. Now more than ever, we need your help to save lives. We are in need of lifesaving funds for the HIV+ community, as well as helping to build the first and only LGBTQ+ center in Morris County.
All of the funds raised from the NJ PRIDE Run and NJ AIDS Walk will allow NJAS to continue to provide compassionate care and social services to each person who walks through our door. “Walking sends a clear message that we won’t allow the healthcare needs of people who are HIV+ and part of the LGBTQ+ community to be forgotten,” said Laurie Litt, Chief Executive Officer of NJAS which organizes and hosts the Morris County location.
We are pleased to announce Janssen Infectious Diseases as the 2019 Presenting Sponsor.
For more information on how to get involved as a walker or volunteer in Morris County, please click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Suffering in silence rarely, if ever, provides relief. Rather it is seeking assistance and being part of a community of people who understand that bring the strongest healing. Recognizing that, County College of Morris (CCM) students Raven Resch, of Belvidere; Alexa Wyszkowski, of Rockaway; and Marco Mirlas, of Landing, decided to use their experiences with mental illness to establish a place of acceptance to help others.
As part of a project for her Contemporary Social Issues class at CCM, Resch developed the concept for “Despite My Diagnosis,” a series of columns written by those who have struggled with mental illness. She presented the idea to Wyszkowski, who as editor- in-chief of the student newspaper – The Youngtown Edition – agreed to run the series this Spring Semester.
Resch, who has suffered with post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety, explains that she felt compelled to show others that mental illness does not define a person nor eliminate the ability to have a successful life.
“There are so many people with mental illness and I want to show people that you can strive and thrive if you get the help you need,” she says.
Mirlas, as president of the CCM Writers’ Club, agreed to write one of the columns about his experiences with attention deficit disorder and to find others willing to share their stories. When asked, he would also proofread the works of other participants and offer suggestions as to their wording and content. A history major, who hopes to become perhaps a teacher or lawyer, Mirlas says he welcomed the opportunity “to help inspire others.”
In each of the columns, the writers have focused not only on their disorders, but also their successes in life on their paths to recovery and acceptance. The series was picked up by Morris County Proud to be Stigma Free, which included each of the students’ stories on its website. The stigma-free communities initiative, https://morriscountystigmafree.org/, is a county-wide program that aims to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders. It is dedicated to raising awareness by creating an environment where individuals are supported in their efforts to achieve wellness and recovery.
On Wednesday, April 24, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented Resch, Wyszkowski and Mirlas with certificates of appreciation for raising awareness that those with mental illness should not be defined by their diagnosis.
For Resch, a mother of a four-year-old, the turning point toward wellness took place after she checked herself into an emergency room because she knew she had to get better for her family. Working with social workers, she was encouraged to focus on building a successful life, so she enrolled at CCM and now plans to become a licensed social worker to help others as she was helped. At CCM, she also became involved with the Active Minds Club to assist with its mission to increase awareness about mental illness.
“I have found so much support for my dreams and goals here,” she says. “CCM does that for me.”
Wyszkowski, who suffers from severe food allergies and anxiety and depression, has extensive experience working to help others. She has spoken on panels for Food Allergy Research & Education, writes a blog on food allergies and plans to take Mental Health First Aid Training courses. At CCM, in addition to serving as editor-in-chief, she is vice president of service for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. A dual major in culinary management and liberal arts, she also is working on two certificates in small business and special events. Her dream position is to be teacher who works with students on school publications, such as the newspaper and yearbook.
Regarding her work on The Youngtown Edition, her goal has been to assist with creating an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration. “Everyone is going through something,” she says. “I believe it is important to create welcoming environments.”
The 2019 budget approved by the council majority doesn’t even come close to recognizing the seriousness of the town’s finances or consider the financial harm it will cause. In 2020 taxpayers should prepare for a larger tax increase and/or significant cuts to expenses that will likely require substantial layoffs, loss of services and elimination of improvement projects.
This year a 9.2% tax increase balances the budget with no utility surpluses. If you take a look at the history from 2012 through 2017, the town spent $9.4M more than it earned. Instead of assessing adequate taxes to pay the town’s expenses it took $9M from the utility surplus. This policy avoided raising taxes and obscured the operating deficit.
When sewer fees were reduced in 2010 utility revenue and surplus began decreasing. As the town continued to take more and more of the surplus, the utilities were forced to incur debt to cover their operating expenses. From 2012 through 2017 the utilities incurred $15M in longer term debt with 2.5M of that amount in interest. While there are reasons that justify debt in the short term, for the most part taxes and other forms of revenue should be used for operating and shorter-term expenses. The previous administration did not adhere to this financial principle which contributed to the town’s current financial difficulties.
Even though the town was taking more of the surplus and failing to raise sufficient revenue, in 2013 and again in 2017, the mayor proposed and council approved two (2) zero tax increases. For 2 years no new revenue is generated when just the statutory expenses alone totaled $6M in those years. The town’s operating deficit continues to steadily increase.
The decision to take surplus instead of assessing reasonable incremental tax increases made the town too dependent on the surplus; it’s why a 9.2% tax increase is necessary and the surplus is being depleted. It is not because of last year as some would like you to believe. It’s inconceivable a $9.4M deficit happens in a year. It’s because it’s financially irresponsible to endlessly spend and borrow. If anyone managed their finances this way, they would soon be bankrupt.
So, if taxpayers are disappointed that taxes need to be raised, it’s understandable, but direct that disappointment at the financial decisions from 2012 to 2017 and those who made them.
Today, the utility still is incurring debt only at higher interest rates and it will continue to do so until the town raises sufficient revenue to resolve the $9.4M deficit and is no longer dependent on the surplus. It’s imperative that the utilities begin to raise enough revenue, before as experts forecast, the surplus runs out within the next 4 years.
The plan Councilmember Peterson and I support incrementally raises revenue for both the town and the utilities. 4.7% tax increase will begin to raise town revenue and a minor utility fee increase, supplemented by commercial entities, reduces new utility debt and grows the surplus. Even with this financially responsible plan it will be very difficult for the town to recover.
At the meeting on April 16, I asked the Council President and council members who served during those 6 years from 2012 to 2017 to share with the rest of the council and the public their plan to recover a $9.4M deficit before the surplus runs out. There was no response.
Let’s all hope if Parsippany has the same town council majority in 2020, they have a real fiscally responsible plan instead of continuing the history of spend and borrow and cutting more positions.
Janice McCarthy Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Vice President
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, April 24 the public was heard on the proposed JCP&L transmission line that would run through a significant portion of Parsippany. This extension was deemed to be in the public interest by a NJ Board of Public Utilities order, approved in 2017, though the Township has long expressed formal opposition to the project.
While I held major concerns regarding the extension of this project through wetlands and residential areas, I was hopeful that JCP&L would at least effectively demonstrate that this project would (1) result in significant improvements to our electrical infrastructure to “keep the lights on” and (2) involve minimal disruption to residential property values and vulnerable natural lands. Unfortunately, JCP&L failed to meet those expectations on both counts.
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is not the sole decision-making authority in this process, though we do have the ability to approve any green acres diversion right-of-way. Given what I now believe to be a lack of preparedness and concern for the residents who would be impacted by this project, I strongly urge JCP&L go back to the drawing board and present a new plan that takes all of last night’s important feedback into account.
As a resident of Lake Hiawatha who has suffered tremendous flooding myself, I am particularly sensitive to the concerns raised about any potential flooding associated with this transmission line. In any version of this project that will be proposed, I am committed to ensuring that a full, complete, and comprehensive environmental study is performed and available to ensure residents that additional flooding will not result. I will not support any version of this project in which that is not the case.
Let me reiterate: the loss of power residents of Parsippany experience all too frequently remains a top concern for my administration, and I believe that a productive relationship with JCP&L is the only way to address this major issue. But cooperation is a two-way street, and I expect JCP&L to present solutions that result in major improvements to our grid and have minimal impacts to our residents and environment.
PARSIPPANY – The 200 Club of Morris County honored Par-Troy EMS at their 47th Annual Valor and Meritorious Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 25 held at the Birchwood Manor. Par-Troy EMS Brandon Nothstine, Par-Troy EMS Chief Dean Snook and Par-Troy EMS Witold Soszynski were honored for their participation in the 2018 Bus Crash on Route 80, Mount Olive.
Mount Olive Township Police Department, Netcong Borough Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Atlantic Ambulance Corporation, Budd Lake Fire Co. #1, Flanders Fire & Rescue Co. #1, Hackettstown Medical Center Emergency Department, Morris County Communications Division, Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Mount Olive Township, Office of the Fire Marshal, Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services, Roxbury Township Co. No. 2 Fire & EMS, Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital Emergency Room, Saint Clare’s Dover Hospital Emergency Room, Saint Clare’s Health EMS, Sameth Emergency Department at Morristown Medical Center Stanhope-Netcong and American Legion Ambulance Corps were all honored for their participation in the fully-loaded school bus crash on Route 80.
Brandon was one of the children on the bus. He attended the event to Thank everyone that helped in saving his and his classmates lives
On Thursday, May 17, 2018 at approximately 10:20 a.m., numerous 911 calls started to flood both the Mount Olive Township Police Department’s Dispatch Center and the Morris County Communications Division. Frantic callers reported that a fully-loaded school bus of children had crashed and overturned on Interstate 80 in Mount Olive Township. Children and adult chaperones were reportedly injured with some in critical condition. The Mount Olive Township Police, EMS and Fire agencies inclusive of the Budd Lake Fire Co. #1, Flanders Fire & Rescue Co. #1 and the Mount Olive Township Office of the Fire Marshal, were immediately dispatched to the scene along with the New Jersey State Police. Simultaneously, Atlantic Ambulance Corporation, Saint Clare’s Health EMS and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management were immediately dispatched to the scene as well. The Morris County Communications Division quickly activated the Morris County Mass Casualty Assets which included the numerous departments being honored here this evening. What happened next was truly remarkable. Upon the arrival of the first units on-scene, the comprehensive scene size-up gave both dispatch centers and other response units enough information to immediately dispatch and ensure that we had enough ambulances and emergency response assets being requested to respond. The high level of responding assets was also achieved with assistance of our out-of-county partners in Sussex and Warren Counties who each sent ambulances to the scene as well. Within the first seven minutes, the Mount Olive Township Police Department along with the multiple fire and EMS agencies on scene, had the mangled and overturned bus cleared of all patients. The next significant challenge was the triage of 46 patients in a variety of medical conditions who were spread out along the grassy median and highway.
Some of the officers involved in the Thursday, May 17, 2018 tragedy on Route 80 in Mount Olive
This challenge was accomplished through a multi-agency, multi-discipline response, inclusive of two hospital-based response teams, to what many described as a “worst-day scenario.” Although the team had two patients who were deceased on-scene, the injuries which were sustained to both patients were so significant that no action by EMS or hospital personnel could have changed the tragic outcome.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the deceased victims and their families as well as others impacted by this overall incident. The triage and transportation process for the injured patients was fundamental to the ultimate success of the patients’ outcomes. The variety of medical conditions amongst the patients included some with significant and critical injuries who needed rapid transport to a trauma hospital. Some patients ultimately ended up crashing/coding when they entered the Emergency Room at local hospitals and required immediate lifesaving interventions. Additional on-scene or transport time would have proven problematic for these positive patient outcomes. In addition, many children were continually being re-assessed during the triage phase at the scene of the incident and during transport, with noted decompensation/status changes occurring during reassessment. Changes in patient status ultimately changed hospital destinations as well as the mode of transportation for some qf the injured. Everyone that was treated and transported is alive today because of an aggressive triage and reassessment process and a “complete system of care.” The successful outcomes were not the result of any one agency or any one individual. This was the result of ONE unified team of professionals from dispatch to police, EMS, fire, hospital-based BLS/ALS systems, emergency room staff, trauma teams, surgical staff, countless medical staff/departments, hospital patient liaison teams, human services and mental health teams, and the countless other professionals who played a part in the response as well as the recovery.
Master of Ceremonies Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, also Chairman of the Board, The 200 Club of Morris County
“May 17, 2018 was a difficult day for many, but was also a proud day for our Morris County EMS, Police, Fire, OEM, and the overall patient care continuum from dispatch, to the street, and ultimately to the hospital. This Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) was managed in a professional and exemplary manner, and every responder stepped up to the plate to do what was needed in order to save lives. We often say that we train for the day that we hope never happens, but in this case, it happened, and all of the responders involved in this incident should be extremely proud of the role they played, as well as the positive outcome,” said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.
Also honored was Madison Patrolman Christopher Burans, Patrolman Travis Daniel and Sergeant James C. Cavezza for their participation in saving a juvenile female was threatening to jump off of the Union Hill Road train bridge on August 13, 2018. Sergeant James Cavezza, Patrolman Christopher Burans and Patrolman Travis Daniel responded to find the girl standing on the ledge of the bridge, approximately 30-40 feet above the train tracks, where high voltage power lines were directly below her. These officers placed themselves in great danger of falling from the bridge to the high voltage wires below. Fortunately, their actions resulted in the girl receiving the treatment she desperately needed, and she was reunited with her family.
The 200 Club of Morris County
Also honored that evening was Lieutenant Joseph Napoletano, Kinnelon Police Department, for saving a man and dog who had fallen through the ice on Butler Reservoir on February 21, 2018.
Denville Police Officer Michael Ambrose, Police Officer Shawn Frawley, Sergeant Bruce McCarter and Chief Christopher Wagner was honored for saving two victims and a dog that had fallen through ice in Cedar Lake on February 15, 2018.
New Jersey State Police Trooper Rodrigo Coelho, T.E.A.M.S. North Unit and Tropper Jordan Siegel, Hazardous Materials Response Unit were honored for removing the driver of a Jeep involved in a two-car motor vehicle crash on Interstate 80 in Rockaway Township. On October 19, 2018 the crash involved Jeep which had been driven under the rear of a tractor trailer and was engulfed in flames with the driver trapped inside.
200 Club Board Member Joseph Jannarone, Jr., and Montville Township Chief Andrew Caggiano
MORRIS COUNTY – With the help of Grace Eline, a Morris County brain tumor survivor, Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco is pushing legislation to allow New Jersey residents to make donations to childhood cancer research on their tax return forms.
“I think we need to spend more time focusing on pediatric cancer because we have a lot of kids out there that need to have some hope,” said Bucco (R-Morris).
Several childhood cancer survivors, including 10-year-old Eline who was recognized by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address in February, joined Bucco in Trenton to discuss getting the bill (A-894) through the Statehouse and onto the governor’s desk. The bill would create a donation check-off box on state income tax forms to benefit a newly established Pediatric Cancer Research Fund that would support projects approved by the New Jersey State Commission on Cancer Research.
“Only four percent of the research is for kids and I think that kids are definitely worth more than four percent,” said Eline. “The bill will definitely help us gain more than four percent.”
The bill is based off legislation that was passed in Kentucky and raises millions of dollars every year for pediatric cancer research. The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee voted in favor the bill (S1538). The Assembly version is waiting to be heard in the Appropriations Committee.
PARSIPPANY — Boy Scout Troop 173 will hold its fourth annual Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 and Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Elks Lodge, located at 230 Parsippany Road.
A wide variety of plants, including annuals and perennials will be available including: Begonias, Marigolds, Vinca Vine, Geraniums, herbs such as Basil, Mint, Parsley, and vegetables such as Tomatoes and Peppers. Plants will be sold in both flats and potted; there will be colorful deck/patio planters and hanging baskets as well.
“This is one of Troop 173’s fundraising events to help with costs associated with our Boy Scout activities throughout the year,” states Scoutmaster Michael Catapano.” The turnout at last year’s Mother’s Day plant sale was incredible and we are hoping for an even better sale this year.”
Throughout the year Troop 173 is actively involved with community service projects at Littleton School (with Pack 142), Brooklawn Middle School, Mt Tabor Historical Society and at the Parsippany Historical Society Smith-Baldwin House.
Support your local Boy Scout troop and pick the perfect Mother’s Day gift! For more information contact Len Cipkins at (973) 229-8740.
Officer Arthur Ohlsen III was struck and killed by a New Jersey Transit train on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 while responding to reports of a brush fire near the railroad tracks under the South Salem Street overpass.
Dear Editor:
