MORRIS COUNTY — World Heritage International Student Exchange Program (WH), a Non-Profit, Public Benefit Organization, seeks local families to welcome foreign exchange students into their homes for the upcoming school year. Our students hail from diverse countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Japan, Australia, and many more. Aged between 15 and 18 years, these students are eager to immerse themselves in American culture, family life, school, sports, and more. They are equally enthusiastic about sharing their culture and language with their host families, creating a mutually enriching experience.

Host families may consist of single parents, couples, or single individuals. Our exchange students come fully equipped with pocket money for personal expenses and comprehensive health, accident, and liability insurance. They are carefully selected based on academic performance and personality traits, ensuring compatibility with their host families. Host families can choose students from various backgrounds, countries, and personal interests.

By opening your home to a foreign exchange student, you welcome a new member into your family and embark on a journey of cultural exchange and lifelong friendship. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences for our students and host families!”

For more information, contact Debra Garbon, World Heritage Program Director, at 1-800-888-9040 or email info@world-heritage.org.

PARSIPPANY — Liquid Church, a rapidly growing Christian congregation in New Jersey, announces its commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Night To Shine, a special event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. In honor of this milestone, Liquid Church will host two complimentary prom nights for teenagers and adults with special needs on Thursday, February 8th, and Friday, February 9th. Anticipating the participation of 700 special guests and supported by 1,000 volunteers, these evenings promise unforgettable experiences.

Lead pastor and Liquid Church founder Tim Lucas expressed his excitement: “It’s our privilege and passion to serve families with special needs, and we’re eagerly looking forward to welcoming hundreds of teens and adults to Liquid as we celebrate a decade of Night To Shine this February! Night To Shine is a testament to God’s love for individuals with special needs, and we spare no effort in rolling out the red carpet for our esteemed guests. Every attendee is treated as royalty at Night To Shine!”

Night to Shine is a global movement that unites communities simultaneously. At Liquid Church’s prom, attendees can anticipate a grand entrance on the red carpet, luxurious limousine rides, karaoke, delectable dining, pampering beauty treatments, shoe-shining stations, entertaining games, and ample dancing opportunities. Most importantly, each guest will be paired with a dedicated “buddy” to ensure they receive VIP treatment throughout the event.

For further details on Night to Shine hosted by Liquid Church in Parsippany, please click here.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, February 6th, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.

Formal action may or may not be taken.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.

Click here for a copy of the agenda.

Click here for the 2024 calendar.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

PARSIPPANY — The ongoing transformation of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, a significant historical and cultural landmark in Parsippany, has been a remarkable journey that began in April 2023. This project’s primary goal is the complete reconstruction of the Annex, which suffered severe damage due to an uprooted tree during the devastating Tropical Storm Isaias. Alongside this critical restoration, the Log House kitchen will undergo a thorough rehabilitation, while both buildings will receive substantial enhancements.

One of the most compelling aspects of this extensive renovation is the collaboration between the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and the NJ Historical Trust to fund the project. This partnership underscores the dedication to preserving the rich history and heritage that The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms represents.

On Saturday morning, February 3rd, Councilman Justin Musella was greeted by Vonda Givens and Barbara Weiskittel, who embarked on a tour of the ongoing renovations. Councilman Musella was recently appointed the Council Liaison to the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms.

During their tour, Musella witnessed firsthand the meticulous work done to bring The Stickley Museum back to its former glory. With their dedication and attention to detail, the restoration team ensures that every facet of the project is carried out with the utmost care and precision.

As the renovations progress steadily, the anticipation for the project’s completion continues to grow. It is expected that the extensive renovations will conclude by late summer. The community eagerly awaits the grand finale of this transformation, which a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark.

The restoration of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms is not merely a construction project but a testament to the community’s enduring commitment to preserving its history and cultural heritage. This significant endeavor will undoubtedly ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from the legacy of the Craftsman movement and the life and work of Gustav Stickley.

BOONTON — On Sunday, January 21st, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Saddle Brook Police Officer Adam Georgaros received a dispatch call to respond to an incident at Walmart, located within the Saddle Brook Mall at 189 Route 46 West. The call pertained to an alleged case involving child luring.

Upon arrival, the officer met with Mr. Ramy El-Daly, who is the leader of OB Global. OB Global is a vigilante organization on social media, usually on YouTube and Rumble platforms. They use decoys to pose as juveniles and set up sting operations with sexual predators.

According to OB Global, Mr. Elliott Ruga was trying to lure a 15-year-old boy back to his apartment for sexual intercourse. He confessed to hooking up with a 17-year-old before and possessing child pornography.

Mr. Eliott Ruga, 68, Boonton, was arrested and charged with 2C:13-6A (Lure/Entice child by various means) and 2C:24-4A(1) (Endangering the welfare of a child/sexual conduct).

Mr. Ruga was fingerprinted, photographed at the Saddle Brook Police Headquarters, and released with a Central Judicial Processing Court date.

Mr. Ruga recently served an unexpired term on the Boonton Town Council and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Boonton Historic Preservation Commission.

According to statements to the Saddle Brook Police Department he is employed by the NJ Highlands Coalition, also located in Boonton. The website for NJ Highland Coalition lists Ruga as Policy and Communications Director.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the individual(s) are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, has asked Community and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Singleton to work with Republicans to solve New Jersey’s affordable housing crisis.

“Everyone supports safe and affordable housing in their communities. How that is achieved is subject to debate. Unfortunately, Republican legislators and local leaders have not been given a seat at the table when it comes to this very important issue. Democrats and their one-party rule are ignoring the very real concerns of those who would be most impacted,” said Senator Bucco. “They are attempting to force through a bill that not only leaves the affordability problem unsolved but will most likely make things even worse for everyone.

In its present form, Bucco says this legislation “will have a direct negative impact on the quality of life in our communities that will only get worse over time.”

“We must work alongside our municipalities with sound land use planning to ensure each community has the infrastructure, mass transit access, job market, and open space to support growth without overwhelming local services and further driving up already-sky-high property taxes,” he said in a release issued Wednesday.

 “I have brought the concerns of my constituents to the attention of legislative leadership and the bill’s sponsors in the hope of finding a bipartisan solution that works for everyone. While I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will accept our suggestions, one-party rule has made it very difficult if not impossible for Republicans and local leaders to get the input they deserve,” he said.

“Without changes, this bill will forever change the character of our communities, giving a clear advantage to developers and creating harmfully high densities that cannot be supported by our municipalities. I will continue to fight on behalf of my constituents and the municipalities that serve them.”

 Senate bill S-50, as is, would make significant reforms to a highly controversial area of law, Bucco maintains.

 Among the most pressing concerns articulated by constituents:

• Immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits obtained through compliance with third-round rules would be subject to revocation during the fourth-round certification process for reasons unrelated to third-round compliance.

• Builder’s remedy immunity obtained through compliance with fourth-round rules would be weakened as compared to prior rounds.

• Official fair share calculations have not yet been made using the new formula in the bill, so municipalities will have practically no notice of what is required of them before being subject to costly litigation.

• A municipality would remain subject to challenge even if adopting the DCA’s calculation of its fair share obligation.

• Unlike COAH, the dispute resolution program lacks representation from municipalities and low- and moderate-income households and does not require partisan balance.

• The bill lacks clarity as to how new regulations would be adopted that would previously have been adopted by COAH.

• The current 1,000 unit cap for a municipality’s total fair share obligation would apply only to the prospective need portion of the obligation under the bill.

• The bill may hold municipalities responsible for units not constructed by developers even if a municipality adjusts its zoning ordinances to accommodate such housing.

• The bill does not account for housing that is approved under a third-round settlement agreement but not yet constructed.

• Litigation costs may increase under the bill.

• Limitations on bonus credits will make it harder for municipalities to meet their obligations.

 On January 19, Sen. Bucco sent this memo to Senate President Scutari and Community and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Singleton to share the concerns brought to his attention by various constituents with the hope that, with these concerns in mind, Democrats and Republicans can work together to accomplish the laudable goals of S-50 in a manner that works best for all those who would be affected.