I am announcing my candidacy for Morris County Surrogate. Current Surrogate John Pecoraro is retiring at the end of his term.
My 15 years of legal and business experience in private practice, having provided legal representation to many individuals in the Morris County Surrogate’s Court along with my personal experiences will ensure that the benefits to the individuals served by this office are maximized.
Each and every day the media is replete with stories of seniors being scammed and it kills me when I hear about our seniors being taken advantage of. I grew up with only one parent and he was a senior by the time I was 10 years old. I saw people try over and over to take advantage of him for no reason other than his age.
As a Freeholder, most members of the community who contacted me for assistance contacted me about their elderly parents or children with special needs. I realized that this is an area where I can make a real difference for the people of Morris County.
The senior and special needs populations are often ignored and left to fend for themselves. When relatives do try and help with benefits, housing or medical appointments, they find themselves shut out of the process. A guardian is a person who has been appointed by the court to conduct the general care and control of another person. For seniors and citizens with special needs who are becoming adults, guardianship proceedings are handled through the Surrogate’s Court. Most people do not know much about the Surrogate’s Court, the benefits that can be obtained or how to go about obtaining guardianships.
This vacancy in the Surrogate’s Office offers an opportunity for me to bring new ideas and make significant changes for the benefit of seniors and special needs citizens in Morris County.
Although I love being a Freeholder, there is a need in Morris County that I believe I am the perfect person to fill and through which I can help some of our most vulnerable citizens. The Surrogate’s Office is most often associated with Probate matters but there is more to it. As a legal practitioner representing clients in the Morris County Surrogate’s Court, including having served as a court appointed guardian, I have a strong grasp of the inner workings of the Surrogate’s Office from an attorney perspective and, sadly, I have had opportunities to visit for probate matters within my family. These experiences help me to see where and how the needs of clients and their representatives can be served.
As Surrogate, I will ensure the Morris County Surrogate’s Office has a high level of visibility and becomes a well known and accessible resource for seniors, special needs citizens and their families. I love serving the public and I realize that the Surrogate’s office is where I can benefit the people of Morris County on an individual basis.
On Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers the Denville Township Board of Adjustment will continue the public hearing for an application with major changes to the large billboard on the Pelican property at the congested intersection of Route 10 west. (Note: Pelican is not the applicant) Several key variances are needed by the sign owner applicant. The public is invited to come out to observe and speak. You don’t have to live in Denville to come out or speak. These approvals are needed before NJDOT can grant a permit.
There are several zoning variances to be considered by the Board of Adjustment. …not necessarily approved…
The present traditional billboard is considered static despite its periodic signage changes. The new billboard will be LED, such as a large TV screen with constant changing and moving scenes. The present bight billboard is only lit dusk to dawn. The new billboard will be in colored motion glowing 24 hours a day, rain or shine, fog or snowstorm, 365 days a year in both directions. It will not be a quick read, but repeated review of new pictures and words as it changes constantly.
For those living in Denville and Parsippany and can see the present billboard it is 32 feet high with a variance requested for it to go up another 20 feet at 57 feet towering above the trees and Route 10 buildings in order for it to be seen further. Note: Residents were not noticed, because you do not live close enough. The Historic District on Route 10 and Cooper Road was not noticed due to required distance also.
The proposal includes an increase in the square footage size of the present billboard on both sides. Again making it more visible.
The fourth variance requests the billboard move forward making it 6 [six] feet from Route 10 west at the intersection of two jug handles, Pelican driveway, a traffic light, and a strip mall, etc……This dangerous location needs no more distractions. Commuters sit in congestion coming east and west. The rule at the light is don’t move too quickly as someone is about to run the light as it changes. Frequently, the intersection is blocked with cars that did not make it. With multiple turns and lane changes another distraction this close to the intersection is another dangerous diversion. This sign will be seen from the bend in Route 10 in the eastbound lane around the Shoppes of Union Hill and as far back in the west bound lane before light at Gibraltar Drive in Parsippany. This area already has many accidents reported by multiple law enforcement agencies. Speeding is an issue. Drivers watch for lane changers, frequent turners, traffic light changes and those who ignore the lights … will now hope the drivers surrounding them will not be taking in screen time outside the car. The eastbound lane is known for ice flows and black ice and sun glare.
Route 10 in Denville used to have less traffic and more trees. That character is slowly eroding. There is still dedicated open space and a historic district along Route 10 in Denville and residents from Denville and Parsippany live in close proximity. These approvals could open up Route 10 for more such modern electronic devices. Many areas of the state are in fact protected from these billboards and their proliferation. Much has been written about their impact on a whole range of things from wildlife to senior sight. But no one can debate the purpose of these new billboards …to get your attention repeatedly. What does that mean?? ….taking your eyes off the road over and over again. In this intersection it means missing the sudden stop…the turner…the light…the speeder…the lane changer…traffic slowing… the black ice…adjusting from sun glare and dark skies…How do you make a dangerous intersection and the unpredictable areas in both directions leading up to it more dangerous? Add another distraction! If you travel or live near Route 10 you know these approvals will cause havoc.
Sue Schmidt
Editors Note: The Denville Municipal Building is located at 1 St. Marys Place.
PARSIPPANY — Emma Lipkin, a Junior at Gill St Bernard’s High School in Peapack-Gladstone, has made the High Honor Roll (Must have all A’s) for the fall semester.
Emma Lipkin
Emma is a lifelong Parsippany resident who went to Littleton Elementary, Brooklawn Middle School and now is attending Gill St. Bernard’s High School in Peapack-Gladstone.
Gill St. Bernard’s High School is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory day school serving approximately 700 students from age three through grade 12.
They offer a comprehensive and balanced curriculum and work to instill in our students a set of values that include compassion, service, responsibility and integrity.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident Isaiah Lipkin, a 2018 graduate of Gill St. Bernard’s High School, has made the Dean’s list for his Freshman Fall Semester at Northeastern University in Boston.
Isaiah attended Littleton Elementary, Brooklawn Middle School and then Gill St. Bernard’s High School In Peapack-Gladstone.
The Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business was founded in 1922 and the Graduate School of Business Administration in 1952.
PARSIPPANY — Nora Rigolosi, a 2018 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, was named on the Dean’s list for the Fall of 2018 at Felician University. She was also accepted into their honors program.
Nora is majoring in Early childhood education in English and teacher of students with disabilities and a minor in Behavioral Analysis in Autism.
Founded in 1942 by the Felician Sisters, Felician University is one of the few Franciscan universities in the country, and the only one in New Jersey. They’ve built their reputation with an emphasis on service and respect for humanity, as was the dream of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska – the foundress of the Felician Sisters more than a century ago. Even today, we strive to represent those values in everything we do.
They provide the individualized attention and support to prepare students for life, and success, after graduation. More than just quality students, they’re graduating valuable members of society who are prepared to take on the challenges of an ever-changing world. As a co-educational, liberal arts institution, Felician is home to approximately 2,300 undergraduate, graduate and adult studies students. With full-time, part-time and online offerings, you can expect an accommodating university experience at Felician University.
PARSIPPANY — At the Tuesday, February 19 Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting, Business Administrator Keith Kazark presented the 2019 Municipal Budget to members of the Council and residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The 2019 average home in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is valued at $310,736.00. Based on the average, the MUNICIPAL portion of your tax bill will increase $89.53 per year, or a 4.72% increase. The amount will increase from 2018 which was at $1899.00 to $1988.00 in 2019.
The Township Council has scheduled two budget hearings for Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. At that time they will meet with the Department Heads to review the budget and analysis and make possible cuts, if any.
The budget will be introduced at the Tuesday, March 16 Township Council meeting at 7:00 p.m.; The public hearing and final adoption is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Budget Highlights Mandatory increases a total of $3,224,547 or 83.24%.
• Police Salaries & Wages are increasing $868,545. (+7%)
• The pension increase, for PERS and PFRS is $797,071.
• The debt service increase is $726,755.
• Blue Collar Salaries & Wages are increasing $307,875.(+3.5%)
• The 5-year Emergency for Retirement payouts result in a $150,426 increase.
• Social Security payments are increasing by $100,000.
• Tipping Fees for Solid Waste Collections are up $100,000.
• The RUT (Reserve for Uncollected Taxes) is increasing by $70,000.
• Radio Communication costs to County for the full year increased by $51,800.
• Due to the State Law increasing the Minimum Wage P/T lines items must be adjusted by $50,000.
• White Collar Salaries & Wages (2%) increase by$216,000.
• The Public Library increase, above the Statutory required amount is $367,644.
• The start of the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program is a $25,000 increase.
• Payroll Processing and Grant Writer equal a $15,000 increase each (not budgeted for in 2018).
Budget Highlights Discretionary increases a total of $649,044 or 16.77%.
• White Collar Salaries & Wages (2%) increase by$216,000.
• The Public Library increase, above the Statutory required amount is $367,644.
• The start of the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) program is a $25,000 increase.
• Payroll Processing and Grant Writer equal a $15,000 increase each (not budgeted for in 2018).
• Daycare Center, $10.400
Proposed Property Tax Bill Breakdown
School Tax
65.77%
$1.949
Municipal Tax
21.60%
$0.640
Municipal Open Space
0.68%
$0.020
Library
1.34%
$0.040
County
10.26%
$0.304
County Open Space
0.35%
$0.010
Click here to download the slide show presentation, Mr. Kazmark presented at the meeting.
PARSIPPANY — Multiple Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Basket of Cheer, 149 North Beverwyck Road, on Friday, February 15 at 9:35 p.m. on a report of a large fight.
Upon their arrival, they observed Dennis Lake, 44, Hopatcong, who was outside the bar and had a belt wrapped around his hand.
Patrol Officers A. Ohlsen and J. Mendez immediately detained Mr. Lake. After a brief investigation, it was determined that a fight occurred outside of the bar and the 40 year old male victim received injuries to his head after Mr. Lake struck him with the belt.
Mr. Lake was placed under arrested and transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. He was charged with One count of Third Degree Aggravated Assault with a Weapon; One count of Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility. He was subsequently released from custody on Sunday, February 17 after his initial appearance in Court.
Editor’s Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Jordan Simpson, a 2018 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, has been named to the Caldwell University Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 Term.
Full-time students who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher at the end of the term are placed on the Dean’s List at the University. Caldwell University was founded as a Catholic liberal arts college by the Sisters of Saint Dominic.
The University offers thirteen graduate degree programs, along with a number of post-baccalaureate and post-masters’ programs. Caldwell University fields 15 NCAA Division II teams.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Layla! She is a two-year old Yorkie Maltese mix. She experienced a rough start at life but is ready for a new chapter!
She was used for breeding by her original owner who soon abandoned her in an apartment with another dog. They were alone for nearly three months with limited food and water until W.A.R stepped in. It was discovered that Layla was pregnant, so she safely delivered six puppies while in foster care. Her pups have all been adopted and now it is Layla’s turn!
Layla is very sweet and aims to please. She takes time to warm up to new people, but once she does, she is a lovebug!
The quickest way to Layla’s heart is with treats and belly rubs. She is extremely food motivated. Her favorite treats are lamb lung and chicken. Layla LOVES belly rubs! She could lay on her back for hours with someone petting her.
Layla is low to moderate energy. She enjoys going on daily walks but when inside, she just lays by your side. She would prefer to have an owner who is home most of the day to keep her company.
Layla does well with other dogs and would be fine in a home with cats. Because she is still a shy girl, it would be best she went home with kids above the age of 13.
If you are interested in adopting Layla, please fill out an application by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed Ordinance 2019-01: Execution of a Financial Agreement with the District at 1515 Urban Renewal on Tuesday, February 19 by a 4-1 vote. Councilwoman Janice McCarthy voted against the project.
As pointed out during the February 5 meeting, the project is part of Parsippany’s solution to its affordable housing obligation. The “District at 1515” will provide 34 low and moderate income apartments on site. Additionally, they will pay in excess of $3.3 million into the Township’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Township will have these funds at its discretion to meet the fair share housing obligations for rehabilitation, new construction programs, and/or an affordability assistance program. Some of these contemplated programs will allow the Township to receive 2-for-1 credits toward its COAH obligation. The additional funds would permit Parsippany to gain more credits through the rehabilitation and affordability assistance programs, which is advantageous to the Township, avoiding new development or undeveloped ground and will add no new apartment units in Parsippany, relieving pressure on the board of education.
The District at 1515 will be developed in two phases. Phase I will consist approximately 63,684 square feet of retail space and 273 residential units, including no less than 21 affordable residential rental units. Phase 2 will consist of 36,000 square feet of retail space and 168 residential units, including no less than 13 affordable residential rental units.
Council Vice President Janice McCarthy
Before casting her vote, Council Vice President Janice McCarthy said “I think that as I’ve said repeatedly that this is a forward looking concept. I think it’s going to be a quality project. I think the builder is dedicated to making it a quality product. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. I am also encouraged that council member Peterson has been working with them and come up and, and you know, coming up with ideas that she feels would benefit the town. So I think that’s all very positive. Again you can only deal with the facts that are before us. As I’ve said repeatedly and I hopefully for the last time I’ve made my feelings known about the financial agreement, I stand by that information that I’ve provided and stated here at the council meetings. I vote no.”
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council President Paul Carifi said “In meetings that we had with the developer to get a further explanation of the project at that time and I discussed that with them and I wish I would have been made, more aware to the public a long time ago. The main need for the PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes) is for the road improvements. If it were not for the road improvements to keep a lot of the traffic at the very end of Parsippany towards the Hanover area over, that way and off of 202, the developer would not need the PILOT. The main reason for the PILOT is for the $6½ to $7 million worth of road improvements. It was mentioned, the Kelly Act, we’re not going to have to do snow removal or garbage removal. We’re not going to be responsible for that, for the life of the PILOT. We’ve been given legal advice and legal opinion, I will say that this in no way, shape or form, serves as a precedent for PILOT programs from other developers. And I believe that this is the least impactful. Am I in favor of a PILOT? No. Do I, do I think it’s a great project? Yes. Do I like the PILOT? No, I don’t. But if you have to weigh the lesser of the two evils, the PILOT program and this development, it’s the only way this can be built. I vote yes.”
The project size has decreased to 441 apartments to go along with the 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurants. The District at 1515 is designed for residents to walk out of their front door and enjoy a meal, drink or spin or stretch class without ever getting into their carCouncilman Michael dePierro (File Photo)
Before voting Councilman dePierro stated “The Stanberry proposal at 1515 Route 10 is overall an attractive development with a mix of residential retail and open space. The majority of the proposed 441 apartments, are projected to be studio and one bedroom which will reduce the number of school children. The roughly $7 million provision for an access road from Dryden Way to Johnson Road will provide an alternate route to the 1515 tract, Delta Dental, the octagon building and others heading in that direction to avoid the Route 202 and Route 10 intersection. This traffic improvement privately funded by the developer is the only way that this improvement will be made. This project also helps the township with its affordable housing obligation. The project will provide 34 moderate and low income apartments and pay an excess of $3.3 million to the townships. Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Our local unions will be involved in most of this project generating revenue for our workers. Also, the pilot financial agreement should increase Parsippany’s tax revenues. Although I am still not comfortable with a PILOT project that includes apartments, I am less comfortable with the consequences if this project is defeated; the access road will not be built. The proposed 441 studio and one bedroom apartments could approach 800 three and four bedroom apartments producing many more school children. Increased traffic on Routes 10 and 202 the aesthetics of the property will suffer. Our unions will not get to work. All things considered. I have to support this project. I vote yes.”
Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani
“I also have a statement in 1515 is the first project in Parsippany that proposes a mixed use development. It is assisting Parsippany without COAH obligations. The Kelly Act relieves the township of snow and ice removal, road improvements and street lights. The issue of utmost concern is the pilot program. I have been informed by legal counsel and this administration that there is no legal basis for other developers to receive a PILOT. We would not be setting a precedent. A formal request was sent to the Morris County Administrator, Mr. Bonanni for a non resource development area bond. It should by the Morris County Development Authority and must be approved by the freeholders of Morris County. This bond will bring relief to Route 10 and 202 by providing a roundabout to Dryden Way. On January 28, the Parsippany Council and Township received a letter from Day Pitney attorney Craig Gianetti, Council for 1515 with an alternative plan for 800 units. This plan was also filed with the courts. It may be said, this is just a tactic, I for one, did not want the court dictating to Parsippany how our affordable housing obligations and ongoing litigation. Mentioned in Parsippany Focus recently by removing 380,000 square feet of office space, it lowers our vacancy rate from 20%, by 2%, to 18%. Lastly, I have spoken tonight with the attorney for 1515, Mister Perlman and I have asked for a letter stating in simple language that the rear and side easement roads dedicated to Parsippany will be maintained by Stanbery for the life of the pilot. And I have been assured by Mr. Perlman that that letter would be forthcoming. Based on the above, I will also be voting yes for this project,” stated Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani.
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will receive revenue of $61 million municipal share of PILOT over 30 years, $54 million more than if the property were to remain office space with no PILOT. Parsippany’s share of the annual PILOT payment will be over $1.6 million at project stabilization, increasing to over $5 million. This is significantly more than the current $92,000 tax revenue the township is receiving. If the existing buildings remain office use (providing they are fully occupied), the Township would generate $7 million in tax revenue over 30 years. With the proposed PILOT, The District at 1515 will generate $61 million in tax revenue for Parsippany-Troy Hills over 30 years. That works out to be an additional revenue of $54 million.
Stanbery will have to submit plans to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board for approvals.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce is again asking Governor Phil Murphy to authorize an audit of education funding in New Jersey as way to root out waste and provide tax relief for homeowners and renters.
“I appreciate that the governor ordered an audit of the Economic Development Agency and an audit of NJ Transit – and those audits were helpful — but neither of them will help the state deal with its number one problem, which is property taxes,” said DeCroce.
“The key to property tax relief is finding out where our education tax money is going and how much can be saved by eliminating waste and improving efficiency,” said DeCroce, who twice last year asked the governor to commission an extensive school spending audit.
DeCroce said taxpayers are funding about $28 billion a year on education in New Jersey – which makes school costs by far the biggest driver of property taxes, especially outside urban areas. State homeowners pay the highest property taxes in the nation and New Jersey spends the third highest amount of any state on education in the nation.
“New Jersey’s ridiculously high property taxes are not only a burden to working people, they are disincentive for business to locate or expand here,” said DeCroce, a realtor. “Property taxes drive up the cost of homeownership and are one of the main reason people are fleeing New Jersey.”
DeCroce said despite enormous sums spent on education by state residents, she hears from teachers and parents who say their classrooms often lack essentials such as pencils and paper.
“It is a fiscal and moral imperative that the legislature and the governor find out where our education tax money is going, and how we can use it more efficiently,” said DeCroce. “The answer to better education cannot always be to spend more of the taxpayer’s money.”
PARSIPPANY — Tyler Wyka, a Junior at Parsippany High School, earned the Red Hawk Award, and a Varsity Letter in Swimming, and was named one of the Captains for next year’s team. Pictured with Tyler is Coach Najjar Keith and Coach Price. Unfortunately the coaches aren’t returning next year.
PARSIPPANY — A story of survival during wartime – not from cannons and bullets – but of life itself. The women who are left at home without adequate means of support and must provide the basic necessities of food and shelter and still impart their values to their children.
New Jersey’s own Cornelia Hancock, rejected as a nurse by Dorothea Dix because she is too pretty, defies her, and goes to Gettysburg to assist the wounded soldiers and stays throughout the Civil War. Mary Ann Bickerdyke, who defies army red tape to care for her boys, the wounded, setting up hospitals and kitchens, even following Gen. Sherman through the mountains of Georgia on the way to Atlanta. Sara Pryor, living through the privation and destruction of the south, still has the courage to defy military authorities and demand rations for the starving women and children in her community.
Rich Rosenthal, a Parsippany resident, is the president of the North Jersey Civil War Round Table and has lectured on numerous historical subjects.
This event will be held on Thursday, March 21 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Road. Reservation required. Email: NJCivilWarRT@aol.com.
For more information on North Jersey Civil War Round Table click here.
TRENTON — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal joined California and 14 other states in suing over President Trump’s decision to fund a border wall by declaring a national emergency and annexing billions of federal dollars earmarked for military construction projects and law enforcement drug interdiction efforts.
“The real national emergency is a President who refuses to adhere to the rule of law,” said Attorney General Grewal. “In its effort to cater to a select few on the right, this Administration is trampling on our Constitution and circumventing the will of Congress. As the chief law enforcement officer for New Jersey, I have a duty to stand up for New Jersey’s residents – including our immigrant community – and so I’m joining states across the country in challenging this emergency declaration in court.”
“I am very concerned with President Trump’s decision to declare an emergency to build his ineffective and unnecessary wall. His decision to circumvent Congress is not only fiscally reckless, but constitutionally dubious,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
Claiming that an influx of immigrants from Central America created a national security threat, President Trump Friday declared an emergency at the U.S. border with Mexico. In doing so, the President said he would forge ahead with plans for construction of a massive, multi-billion-dollar border wall that Congress refused to support.
As the Complaint lays out, the Administration will rely on its declaring of a national emergency to divert up to $3.6 billion budgeted for military construction projects to the border wall effort. As the Complaint further describes, the Administration also plans to annex up to $2.5 billion from counter-narcotics programs and to draw another $601 million from a Treasury Department asset forfeiture fund.
As the Complaint explains, the Administration’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution by funding a border wall for which Congress has refused to appropriate funding, and by using money that Congress specifically appropriated for other purposes.
At the same time, the Administration’s actions are ultra vires because the Administration failed to satisfy the strict criteria laid out in the National Emergencies Act for declaring an emergency and diverting funding.
Indeed, while past Presidents have invoked a national emergency declaration to expend money without Congressional approval, those actions have typically involved shifting military funds in the service of military goals – such as in 2001, when President George W. Bush declared an emergency in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
“President Trump admitted Friday that he didn’t have to issue this declaration, which is proof enough that this crisis is manufactured,” added Attorney General Grewal. “And the Administration is diverting billions of dollars away from projects where it really is sorely needed – including to improve military installations and support state and local anti-narcotics law enforcement efforts. Worst of all, the Administration is doing this in an effort to serve an ideological agenda and keep immigrants and asylum seekers out. New Jersey deserves better.”
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Adjustment meeting for Wednesday, February 20, has been canceled due to the weather and that Applications 19:02 and 18:67 originally scheduled to be heard this evening will now be heard March 20, 2019.
NORTH JERSEY — New Jersey Transit Engineer Anthony Fuzuman saw a dog on the tracks eastbound near Newark. The engineer stopped the train, picked up the dog and brought the dog to Secaucus station where he is safe and warm with station management. The dog was then safely delivered to Secaucus Animal Shelter (which is a no-kill shelter). The shelter requires proof of ownership before they release the dog.
UPDATE: The dog was micro-chipped and the Secaucus Animal Shelter was able to make contact with the family based on the information from the chip.
The dog,identified as a nine year old Shih Tzu named Daisie, was reunited with the owner, Celeste Zayas, Newark.
The dog was chipped and the shelter contacted the family via the personal info they found.
While at the Secaucus Animal Shelter, the dog had an injury when they found it; The shelter took dog to the vet had it patched up.
PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Department of Human Services awarded NewBridge Services $75,000 to teach older adults about alternatives to using opioids for pain management. The money is part of $1.4 million in grants announced yesterday to stem the opioid epidemic.
NewBridge Services will conduct free group workshops and one-on-one sessions for Morris County residents age 60 and over, and expects to reach 500 people over 12 months. Participants will learn about the risks of prescription painkillers and the array of evidence-based pain management options that don’t involve addictive opioids.
“This initiative is a great fit for us,” NewBridge Chief Operating Officer Michelle Borden said.
NewBridge has been helping seniors maximize their independence since 1987 through NewBridge Senior Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL). NewBridge@Home provides in-home counseling for homebound seniors and respite for caregivers. And NewBridge has a decades-long track record of educating the community about various health and wellness topics.
NewBridge’s goal is to educate 500 seniors, caregivers, and staff from organizations that serve seniors by June 30, 2020, Borden said. The nonprofit will make use of its longstanding partnerships with other senior service providers and Morris County, she noted.
The county has 110,500 residents age 60 and over — 22 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. NewBridge’s clients mirror that statistic.
A higher percentage of older adults fill opioid prescriptions than other age groups. About 17 percent of opioid overdose deaths in New Jersey in 2017 were people age 55 and over, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.
NewBridge will provide group workshops at nutrition and senior centers, senior housing, assisted living residences, churches, libraries, and its service center in Parsippany.
There is growing evidence that exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, physical therapy, biofeedback and chiropractic care can help manage pain, often in combination with medications like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NewBridge was one of five nonprofits to receive funding to provide programming on alternatives to opioids for pain management. “These contracts will go a long way in helping us reach the people who need help the most, enabling them to get the type of help they need,” Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke said.
Dear Editor:
Layla is very sweet and aims to please. She takes time to warm up to new people, but once she does, she is a lovebug!
PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Department of Human Services awarded NewBridge Services $75,000 to teach older adults about alternatives to using opioids for pain management. The money is part of $1.4 million in grants announced yesterday to stem the opioid epidemic.