MORRIS COUNTY – Kaufman, Semeraro & Leibman Partner Mark J. Semeraro and associate R. Scott Fahrney have secured a $2.3 million total settlement in a personal injury action on the behalf of their client Stefanida Sloan in the matter Sloan v. Sussex County and Asphalt Paving Systems, Inc., et al.

This lawsuit was filed as a result of a serious head-on collision where Ms. Sloan was struck in her lane of travel, on County Road 565 in Wantage, New Jersey on September 4, 2014.

At that point in time, Ms. Sloan was struck in her lane of travel by uninsured motorist, Matthew Giamanco.  That road had recently undergone micro-resurfacing and the County and its contractors had opened it to the public, without any temporary lines on the road surface and without providing compliant traffic control devices in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

While the contractor and Sussex County argued against any wrongdoing, Kaufman, Semeraro & Leibman, LLP retained the appropriate professionals to provide expert testimony that the County and contractor failed to follow the mandates of the MUTCD, and their failure was a contributing factor to the accident and Ms. Sloan’s injuries.

Ultimately, on the eve of arbitration, the Defendants agreed to settle for $2.2 million, without admitting liability.  In addition, Ms. Sloan’s own insurance carrier contributed $100,000.00 in uninsured motorist benefits, for a total settlement of $2.3 million.

If you or anyone you know has suffered serious personal injuries in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, construction site accident, please contact Mark Semeraro at (973) 585-6254.

TRENTON — The New Jersey Division of Taxation reminds taxpayers to take advantage of the New Jersey Tax Amnesty program as the January 15 deadline is fast approaching. Tax Amnesty provides individuals and businesses with the opportunity to pay back taxes or file past returns with no penalties and reduced interest, but Tax Amnesty payments must be paid no later than January 15.

Signed into law in July 2018, the New Jersey Tax Amnesty launched on November 15, 2018. The program applies to outstanding tax filings or payments that are due on or after February 1, 2009 and prior to September 1, 2017. Benefits to Tax Amnesty include waived penalties such as late filing and late payment, and one-half of the balance of interest due as of November 1, 2018.

“Thousands of New Jersey taxpayers have already taken advantage of the benefits of the Tax Amnesty program but time is running out,” said John Ficara, Acting Director of the Division of Taxation. “We strongly urge anyone who qualifies for amnesty to take advantage of the program by the January 15 deadline, to avoid incurring greater penalties.”

Taxpayers who do not take advantage of Amnesty before January 15 will incur a five percent penalty that cannot be waived or abated. This is in addition to all other penalties, interest and other costs authorized by law.

In November, the Division of Taxation mailed a letter to all taxpayers who are known to have amnesty-eligible deficient and/or delinquent accounts. In addition, an extensive outreach program has been undertaken to reach as many taxpayers as possible.

For more information, New Jersey taxpayers or their representatives may contact Taxation representatives at 1-800-781-8407 Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. or click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants, William J. Heller, Esq. will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of Explorer Post 22. Young men and women, ages 14-20, who are interested in careers in Law are invited to attend. They will meet on Saturday, January 12  from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Patriots’ Path Council, 1 Saddle Road in Cedar Knolls.

Mr. Heller will speak on legal issues such as contract negotiations for players and coaches; licensing, sponsorship and vendor agreements; human resources, workers compensation and privacy issues; legal issues related to operation of MetLife Stadium and Quest Diagnostics Training Center (the Giants’ Training Facility).

This meeting is free but space is limited.  Please register by clicking here.

Law Explorer Post 22 is chartered to the Morris County Bar Foundation. Post advisors Andrew Jacobs, Esq. and Linda Mainenti-Walsh, Esq. lead monthly meetings and invite guest speakers including judges, prosecutors, and attorneys practicing in fields such as criminal, family, environmental, immigration, and intellectual property.

Exploring is Learning for Life’s career education program for young men and women who are 14 to 20 years old.  Exploring’s purpose is to provide real world experiences to help young people decide what field, or area within a field, they will pursue as their career.

For further information please contact Al Thomas, District Executive at (973) 765-9322 ext. 229.

MORRIS COUNTY — An 11-acre surplus parcel from the Loyola House of Retreats is being permanently preserved as an addition to Morristown’s Foote’s Pond Park, it was jointly announced today by the Trust for Public Land, Morris County, the state Green Acres Program, and Morristown.

This acquisition will nearly double the size of the popular park and, with the planned enhancement of the trail system, should add to the attraction of this open space, located just a mile from the bustle of the Morristown Green.

The Morris County Preservation Trust, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program, and Morristown all contributed to the $2.1 million purchase. Morristown will own and manage the property.

“We are excited to have helped preserve another great resource for the community in Morristown,” said Greg Socha, Senior Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land.

The Loyola property has been a priority for conservation for many years. It was highlighted as a preservation opportunity in the town’s 2011 Open Space Plan.

In addition to its enhancement of Foote’s Pond Park, the tract – which is located in the headwaters of the Great Swamp watershed — also is an important element in local watershed protection.

Preventing future development at this location will eliminate potential impacts to an already stressed watershed, and the open space will offer important groundwater recharge.

“The high quality of life in Morris County is directly connected to the preservation of open space, as well as farmland and historic properties, financed by residents of Morristown and the entire county through funding specially dedicated for these purposes,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers.

“Open spaces in Morristown and across the county are used to create parks, connect trails, offer recreational opportunities for our residents, help our environment, and ensure that we have green spaces in each of our towns as places to think or breathe,’’ Myers added.

Foote’s Pond Park is a popular spot for local wildlife observers, birders and photographers. Currently, the property is open to the public and can be accessed at the trailhead off James Street, near the Thomas Jefferson School.

The Trust for Public Land creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities. To learn more about The Trust for Public Land, visit www.tpl.org.

For more information on the Morris County Preservation Trust click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — State senator Joe Pennacchio is calling on the United States Senate to condemn U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-California) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) in light of reports that the two Democratic Senators made anti-Catholic and bigoted comments during their review of Brian Buescher’s judicial nomination to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska.

Pennacchio also questioned why New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, Cory Booker and Bob Menendez, who represent a large Catholic population, have yet to speak out.

Senator Joe Pennacchio calls on U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris and Mazie Hirono to resign, for making anti-Catholic, bigoted comments during their review of Brian Buescher’s judicial nomination to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska. (Wikimedia Commons)

During the hearing, U.S. Sens. Harris and Hirono insinuated that Buescher would not be able to rule fairly and impartially because he is a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, a highly-respected Roman Catholic charitable organization.

“Religious intolerance and bigotry of any kind has no place in the halls of government,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) said. “I have yet to hear either of our U.S. Senate representatives condemn these remarks. Their silence is deafening. No one should be excluded from serving in the judiciary because of their faith.

“Roman Catholicism is the second largest religion in the United States, and the Knights of Columbus is an honorable service organization that has given back to millions of people. This is not a cause for concern and insinuating otherwise is irresponsible and misleading. Make no mistake – the attack on the Knights of Columbus was an attack on the Church itself.

“The U.S. Senate should formerly condemn Senators Harris and Hirono immediately and their colleagues in Congress should speak out against their conduct. As a Catholic and an American, I am absolutely appalled. It seems that being anti-Catholic or anti-Semitic has become politically-chic, and we should all be alarmed.”

Pennacchio noted that this is not the first time Catholic judicial nominees have been attacked by Democratic U.S. representatives. In 2017, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) levied similar anti-Catholic attacks against judicial nominee, Amy Coney Barrett.

Sen. Pennacchio also noted that in 2011, Governor Christie and members of the Legislature on both sides of the aisle rallied to support a Muslim judicial nominee who was being attacked for his faith.

Pennacchio emphasized that Catholic judicial nominees who are qualified and worthy of serving on the bench should be given the same support.

“We should all be concerned about the rise of bias in this country. The hateful rhetoric must come to an end and we should shed light on anyone who is spewing hate, regardless of their party affiliation or the faith they are attacking. It is no more acceptable to attack someone for being Catholic, than it is to attack someone for any other religious belief.”

MORRISTOWN — On Sunday, February 3, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., join an exciting, outdoor, family adventure, and experience traditional farm life as it was in the early 20th century at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township.

Climb aboard the open-air, tractor pulled wagon for a memorable ride around the farm, and stop by the barnyard to meet the Jersey cows, horses, sheep, and chickens. Learn the importance of ice harvesting and what special tools were used. Pitch in, and help with daily farm chores, such as sawing and working with wood.

Take a break from the chilly, winter air, and visit the cozy Farmhouse where seasonal foods are cooking on the wood-burning cook  stove. Stop by the Visitors Center to make a family-friendly craft, and check out the Transportation Exhibit to see Charles Foster’s Rockaway carriage and Caroline Foster’s Model ‘T’ Ford and Hupmobile. Be sure to try out all of the interactive displays!

Admission to this event is $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors (65+), $6.00 for children ages 4 – 16, and $4.00 for children ages 2 and 3, free for children under age twi. Friends members are half price with a current membership card. For more information and directions to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm in Morris Township, visit morrisparks.net or call (973) 326-7645.

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!

MORRIS COUNTY  — The great outdoors awaits! Discover the best spots to sled, ice skate, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and more, all right here in Morris County. Make the most of this season, and experience the exciting programs and winter activities the Morris County Park Commission has to offer.

Grab your hats and gloves, and head to the Doe Meadow Hill at Lewis Morris County Park for an afternoon of sledding down one of our largest hills. Cross-country ski through the beautiful trails at Loantaka Brook Reservation in Morris Township and Hedden County Park in Randolph Township, or lace up your skates, and glide across the ice at the flooded, in-line skating rink at Central Park of Morris County in Parsippany.

Looking to try something new? Experience the unique and exhilarating sport of snowshoeing.

Join a guided snowshoe adventure at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Natural Historic Area in Montville Township on select Sundays in January, February, and March. Enjoy a brisk afternoon exploring the beautiful winter scenery and looking for signs of wildlife – all while getting a great workout!

Experts are on hand to help fit your snowshoes and answer questions. If you are an experienced at snowshoeing, or prefer to venture on your own, there are one-day snowshoe rentals available at Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area as well.
If indoor ice skating is more your style, check out Mennen Sports Arena, the best three surface ice arena in the area. Don’t have ice skates? No problem, both hockey and figure skates are available to rent.

Embrace one of New Jersey’s most cherished seasons this winter. There is so much fun, excitement, and adventure waiting for you! For more information, including a full list of outdoor recreational sites and activities, visit morrisparks.net.

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 19,653 acres at 38 distinct sites plus offers a year-round calendar of events and activities for all to enjoy!

MORRIS COUNTY — Discounted admission for Friday night skating events at Mennen Sports Arena for youth and their families will begin January 4, courtesy of the New Jersey Coalition for Education and Positive Choices in conjunction with Mennen Sports Arena.

The sponsors seek to provide an opportunity for teens and adolescents to have fun with friends in a safe, chaperoned, healthy, drug- free environment. The offer runs through March 8.

Between skate rental and admission to a full Friday night skate to the music of DJ Earl, the total cost is $7.00 per person, discounted from $12.00. The rink is open for skating from 8-10:00 p.m.  The box office opens at 7:30 p.m. Mennen Sports Arena also has a snack bar and video games which are not included in the admission price.

To get the discounted rate, visit the table staffed by New Jersey Coalition for Education & Positive Choices in the arena  lobby. The program is open to Morris County kids of all ages and their families. You don’t have to be a member of the coalition to participate.

Each Friday night will have a different theme with the hope of creating connections, interest in new activities, hobbies and engender career interest.

Theme nights include:

• Law Enforcement Night: Many police departments and law enforcement agencies will be on hand to display equipment, explain its purpose and most importantly, allow our youngsters to meet and greet true heroes.
• Fire Fighter Night
• Martial Arts and Fitness Night
• Dance Night
• Photo ID Night: Morris County Sheriff’s Department will create a free official ID card for any child who would like one.

The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is comprised of law enforcement agencies, educators, elected officials, Scouts, organized sports, musicians, businesses and parents working together to unite our communities in the war against drug and alcohol addiction.

Mennen Arena is located at 161 East Hanover Avenue, Morris Township.

For more information on the coalition click here.

For more on Mennen Sports Arena click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office will be donating $1,500 to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Medical Center thanks to the efforts of some of its officers who wore custom designed pink patches on their uniforms in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The pink patches personally were purchased by officers from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to raise the $1,500. 

Similarly, in 2017, more than $1,400 was raised during the same event, bringing the combined total in two years to more than $2,900.

The Sheriff’s Office will donate the proceeds to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in memory of Detective Lisa di Palma Bonfiglio who lost her battle with cancer in 2009.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office joined numerous police and fire departments across the country in this annual fundraising effort to fight cancer and support breast cancer research.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund is accepting grant applications for the 2019 funding round. A historic resource must be listed or certified as eligible for listing on the New Jersey and the National Register of Historic Places to be eligible for a matching grant.

Eligible applicants are municipalities, qualified non-profit organizations and the county.

Application forms, rules and regulations for the 2019 grant round of the Historic Preservation Trust Fund are available by clicking here.

Please note the following schedule:

January 30: Application Workshop at the Morris County Cultural Center;

February 28: Declaration of Intent due at Morris County;

March 29: Grant Application Deadline;

The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation will conduct a workshop to explain the grant application process on Wednesday, January 30, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Morris County Cultural Center, 300 Mendham Road. (County Route 510), in Morris Township.  A snow date for the workshop is January 31.