PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Community Director Carol Tiesi and Kiwanis Club member Susan Slaughter visited Parsippany Health and Human Services and donated backpacks and various school supplies.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Community Director Carol Tiesi and Susan Slaughter with Michele Picone, Director of Health and Human Services.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members purchased and donate the school supplies that were given to Health and Human Services to be distributed to families in need.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is one of the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 80 members. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.
Parsippany Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034. Phone: (973) 263-7163; Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kiwanis members purchased and donated school suppliesKiwanis members purchased and donated school supplies
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council is scheduled to vote on Mayor James Barberio 2022 Township Budget at the council meeting to be held on Tuesday, August 16.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
The Mayor presented the 2022 Township Budget at Tuesday, July 19 town council meeting, which includes a 3.3% tax increase. The introduction of the budget was approved unanimously.
“When I looked through this budget, it was disheartening,” Barberio said. “We have a financial crisis. Our budget challenges won’t be solved in one year.”
In this budget, Barberio hopes to increase the police force, saying that Soriano “let the police department become depleted.” The police department is down to 81 deployable officers. We should be at 103 to 109 deployable officers. I would like to increase it to 96 or 97 by the end of 2022.
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani said that “severe cuts were made” and that Barberio “worked tirelessly to get the budget down.” Gragani and Neglia were on the Township’s Finance Committee.
“No one likes this tax increase,” Grangani said. “But this has to be done to put us in a better position next year.”
This year’s budget “only puts out the fire,” dePierro said. “It doesn’t solve the problem.”
The municipal portion of the taxes will increase the average residential assessment ($312,397.00) $312.40 per year or $26.03 per month.
The average residential assessment ($312,397.00) tax increase will be $478.00, or just under $40.00 per day, which includes municipal, school, county, open space, library and fire taxes.
The total 2022 budget is $241,553,717.41 as compared to the 2021 budget of $230,055,504.21. The 2022 budget includes an increase in school taxes of $2,643,143.11. (2021 School Tax was $146,841,284.00 and 2022 School Tax is $149,484,427.11).
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 16.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
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 a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Indian-American of Morris County celebrated Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising on Saturday, August 13. The event was held at Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. India is celebrating 75 years since its independence from British colonial rule.
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and Indian-American of Morris County celebrated Indian Independence Day and Flag RaisingRaj Patel, President, Indian-American Cultural CommitteeParsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro recited the Pledge of Allegiance
Sejal Maheta was the Master of Ceremonies; Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Sneha Ranade song the American National Anthem. Mayor James Barberio greeted the attendees and offered welcoming remarks. Jigar Shah, Chairman Indian-American Cultural Committee greeted the audience and the Keynote speaker was Raj Patel, President, Indian-American Cultural Committee. Swarali Music Academy sang the Indian National Anthem. Cultural performances by Patriotic/Motherland Dance by Dr. Ramadevi; Patriotic Melody by Swarali Music Academy; Dance – Tarana by Krishna Maheta and Patriotic Dance by Arya Dance Academy.
Closing Remarks was by Vishnu Patel.
Mayor James Barberio
Mayor James Barberio said “Good Morning. I would like to thank you all for joining us today to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. It’s a matter of great joy as the Mayor of Parsippany to wish all Indians, living in India and in the United States and also here in Parsippany, my home town, a Happy 75th Independence Day.”
He continued “India’s Independence Day is a festival of freedom. This was made possible by generations of freedom fighters; some known, many unknown. They made great sacrifices. Today, Indian’s in India and throughout the world are able to breathe under free skies thanks to their heroic deeds.”
“India, like many others, suffered great injustices and tyranny under foreign rule. What distinguishes India, however, is that the character of their nationalist movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, was based on the principles of truth and non-violence. He and all other national heroes provided India with an invaluable blueprint to not only liberate the nation from colonial rule, but also to rebuild it,” continued Barberio.
“What’s great about the United States and why it’s the greatest of all countries is the fact that we can celebrate our heritage and share it with every citizen especially here in Parsippany. And today our Indian population is sharing their culture and history with us here in Parsippany,” he continued.
Barberio conclude “In closing, I would like to thank Jigar Shah, Chairman of the Indian-American Cultural Committee and all its members for coordinating and putting this celebration together. I would also like to thank our Parks and Forestry employees for setting everything up and our Police Department.”
The ceremony of the Flag raising was performed by Dr. Bhagirath Maheta and Hari Kundaram
Indian Independence Day and Flag Raising Celebration
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Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15 as a national holiday in India commemorating the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, the day when the provisions of the 1947 Indian Independence Act, which transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly, came into effect. India retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to a republic, when the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Indian Republic Day) and replaced the dominion prefix, Dominion of India, with the enactment of the sovereign law Constitution of India. India attained independence following the Independence Movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which British India was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to religious violence. On August 15, 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation. The entire event is broadcast by Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, and usually begins with the shehnai music of Ustad Bismillah Khan. Independence Day is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. It is a national holiday.
MORRIS COUNTY — A new, free Morris County small business app was officially launched in Parsippany Township today by Zoomus Marketing, which simultaneously received at $15,000 grant under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
Cahill at the podium explaining how his MORRIS NOW app works. With him (l-r) were Commissioners Krickus, Mastrangelo and Shaw
“After doing much research, today I am releasing a new app available on Google Play and Apple Store called MORRIS NOW,” said Frank Cahill, owner of Zoomus. “MORRIS NOW connects the local businesses in Morris County with over 500,000 residents. Residents can download the App from Google Play or the Apple Store absolutely free,” he added.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the offices of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at 90 East Halsey Road. Among those who attended were members of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio, Council President Michael dePierro, Vice President Loretta Gragnani and Councilman Justin Musella.
Councilman Justin Musella congratulates Frank Cahill
Mayor Barberio praised Cahill for creating the Morris Now app, noting Cahill has been dedicated to improving business in Parsippany in his other roles as Publisher of Parsippany Focus and Morris Focus, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee.
“I’m really glad I’ve gotten to know Frank because, when I tell you he’s really committed to economic development in Parsippany, he’s truly committed and this is a perfect example of it. Thank you for your commitment to Parsippany,” the Mayor said.
Cahill and the Commissioners were joined in the announcement by (to the left) Parsippany Councilman Musella and Mayor Barberio, and to the far right, Parsippany Council President Michael dePierro and Vice President Loretta Gragnani
Morris County Deputy Commissioner John Krickus and Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo and Stephen Shaw simultaneously announced that Zoomus and Cahill had qualified for $15,000 under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program, which is designed to assist small businesses who are still impacted by the pandemic to meet specific expenses incurred after March 3, 2022.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani and Frank Cahill discuss the new app, MORRIS NOW
“I’m a small businessman, so I have seen first-hand what small business have been up against,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo. “One thing about these grants, and I’ve spoken to some small businesses in my town that have got them, it’s given them hope and it’s given them a sense to go out and compete a little bit. Part of what these grants have done has been put a little more fuel in their engines, it’s given them a shot in the arm and helped them not to quit.”
Deputy Director Krickus noted that the program already has approved more than 600 applications for grants filed by small businesses and nonprofits.
“Since our launch in February in Dover, more than 600 Morris County small businesses have taken advantage of this program to help them recover and expand,” Krickus said.
“It’s been a tremendous asset to our businesses,” added Commissioner Shaw, urging more businesses to apply quickly. “We’re down, out of our whole pool of $10 million, to about $1.3 million and we are going to close the applications September 30.”
Chris Williams, Senior Constituent Services Represent for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill presented Cahill with a certificate celebrating the launch of the new application is support of the Morris County Business CommunityChris Williams, Senior Constituent Services Represent for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill presented Cahill with a certificate celebrating the launch of the new application is support of the Morris County Business CommunityCutting a celebratory cake at the event, with Cahill, was former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, a local small business owner. Paul DeGroot looks on, and Boonton Restaurant owner Mickey Chopra, i2i also looks on
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert J. Peluso, Parsippany Economic Development Co-Chair Dr. Bhagirath Maheta and Ed Ramirez, Morris County Economic Development Corp. Director of Business Resources, also spoke at the event, praising the small grant program and Cahill’s vision in developing the MORRIS NOW app.
Ed Ramirez, Morris County Economic Development Corp. Director of Business Resources
The MORRIS NOW app combines, shopping, area events, local news, weather, neighborhood chats and local classifieds all in one place. Local businesses may use it to promote deals and specials.
“Push messaging direct to customers. Powerful Bluetooth proximity marketing. The beacon pushes the businesses promotions to the passing customer devices with the app. The app also allows promotions and links. The app also includes in-depth promotional analytics. The app also sends out a “happy birthday message” automatically to the businesses customers,” said Cahill.
Apply Now For a Morris County Small Business Grant by clicking here. Remember the deadline is September 30.
Frank Cahill announced the release of the app, “MORRIS NOW”
The Morris County Small Grant Program was the brainchild of the Morris County Commissioners, as they developed a unique use of funds issued to the county through the American Rescue Plan Act. Federal guidelines only allow Morris County to apply the dollars to pandemic related expenses incurred during and after March 2021.
There is NO COST to apply.
Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage and which applications may be approved. The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen joined the U.S. Military Academy’s class of 2026 Monday on its 12-mile predawn March Back, the final leg of their six-week basic training called “Beast.” The cadets disembarked at 4:00 a.m. from Lake Frederick to the academy, where they will be officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets August 13.
Bergen, a 2001 West Point graduate and Apache helicopter pilot who served in Iraq, joined 180 alumni in this annual tradition.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris) joined the class of 2026 West Point cadets on their march back from Lake Frederick to the U.S. Military Academy Aug. 8, 2022. (Photo courtesy Brian Bergen)
“The nostalgia of course was overwhelming. The experience I had during my cadet basic training shaped who I am today,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “The training is brutal and feels like it will never end while you’re in it, but it’s the bonds formed there that go on forever.”
Bergen marched back with cadets from his legislative district, Sathvik Medapati of Parsippany and Molly Webber of Morris Plains, daughter of Assemblyman Jay Webber and sister of Annie, a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy. They met up with two other cadets, Nick Taverone of Denville and Tyler Catapano of Parsippany, later in the march.
“These young men and women are the lifeblood of our republic. To be among them inspires me and gives me tremendous hope for our country’s future,” Bergen said.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris, center) is joined by Molly Webber, left, daughter of Assemblyman Jay Webber, and Sathvik Medapati, right, both of his legislative district, on their march back August 8, 2022. (Photo courtesy Brian Bergen)
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio urged all New Jerseyans to join him in recognizing and celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian independence on Monday, August 15.
“We would like to congratulate India as it celebrates 75 years of independence from colonial rule,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “We welcome our friendly relations with India, its support for democracy, and the role the nation has taken in urging peaceful solutions to conflict on the world stage.”
India became an independent nation on August 15, 1947 through the passage of the Indian Independence Act by the British Parliament.
Pennacchio said that India, with 1.4 billion people, is the world’s largest democracy and deserves the opportunity to play a greater role in the most important matters of international peace and security.
“As the world’s largest democracy and soon to be its most populous nation, India deserves a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council table,” said Pennacchio. “The occasion of India’s 75th anniversary of independence would be a great time to elevate the nation and recognize its increasingly important role in world affairs.”
The United Nations Security Council is currently composed of 15 members. The five permanent members include: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There are also 10 non-permanent members, with non consecutive two-year terms, that are elected on a regional basis.
Pennacchio sponsors SR-31, a legislative resolution urging the United Nations to seat India as a permanent member on the United Nations Security Council.
“New Jersey has a vibrant and strong Indian community, which has given us a great opportunity to learn about the wonderful people and rich culture of India,” added Pennacchio. “We look forward to strengthening those ties during the 75th-anniversary celebration and beyond.”
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued a statewide drought watch as of August 9, 2022, and the Murphy Administration is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state.
Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state.
The Commissioner’s declaration of a drought watch is the first stage in the State’s three-stage drought advisory system. The watch is intended to sow public awareness and appreciation of the stress upon water supply sources and encourage voluntary water conservation measures.
If conditions do not improve, declaration of a drought warning or a drought emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary. Voluntary conservation measures at the watch stage can help to avoid more serious and restrictive drought conditions.
The DEP is continuing to closely monitor drought indicators, which include precipitation, stream flows, reservoir levels, ground water levels, and water demand. DEP will continue to inform the public, local governments, and water systems of future actions to mitigate the risk of more severe conditions.
MORRIS COUNTY — Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will be participating in two programs, organized to collect and distribute backpacks filled with various school supplies to those in need. The first event, the Backpack Giveaway organized by Table of Hope, is scheduled for August 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot of The County College of Morris; and the second event, the Community Book-Bag Giveaway organized by Bethsaida Chapter 7, is on August 27
from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Bishop Nazery Way parking lot, located at 65 Spring Street, Morristown.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Police Benevolent Association Local #327 has graciously donated twenty backpacks and school supplies for both events, and made financial donations to both organizations to assist with their efforts.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “Members of our office consistently demonstrate acts of kindness and consideration for others, setting an example for all to follow.”
http:/https://morrisfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/skate1.pngMORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Park Commission’s skating program at the Mennen Sports Arena is being honored by the national Learn to Skate USA organization, which has ranked it No. 1 in New Jersey.
Learn to Skate announced the ranking in an August 4, 2022 letter noting the Morris County skating program enrolled 1,242 skaters this year into the affiliated Mennen Learn to Skate program. The achievement will land the Mennen Arena program a highlight in the Winter Issue of the Learn to Skate USA Magazine and the October Issue of SKATING Magazine, where the Morris County program will be shared with all members of U.S. Figure Skating.
“To be acknowledged by Learn to Skate USA for the Arena’s Learn to Skate Program is a testament to the dedicated professional skate instructors, arena staff and the participants who will benefit from learning a skill that will allow for low impact physical activity for a lifetime,” said David Helmer, Executive Director of the Morris County Park Commission.
Learn to Skate USA is a world-recognized educational program that promotes skating nationally. It is supported by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and U.S. Speedskating, as well as the Special Olympics, the Professional Skaters Association and the U.S. Ice Rink Association.
Learn to Skate USA offers a standardized curriculum designed to help skaters of all ages and abilities master the basics of ice skating through specially formulated pathways for preschoolers, older children, adults and skaters with disabilities.
The William G. Mennen Sports Arena was built in 1973 on donated land in Morris Township and it was opened to the public on January 12, 1975 with only one ice surface and permanent seating for 2,500 spectators. In 1986, a second ice surface was completed and in 2002, a third ice surface was completed.
Mennen Sports Arena now receives over 1 million visitors annually, and has hosted everyone from National Hockey League players and Olympic champion skaters to world class tennis players and pop-music stars at the many events held in nearly 50 years of operations.
Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state.
mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary. Voluntary conservation measures at the watch stage can help to avoid more serious and restrictive drought conditions.
Learn to Skate USA is a world-recognized educational program that promotes skating nationally. It is supported by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and U.S. Speedskating, as well as the Special Olympics, the Professional Skaters Association and the U.S. Ice Rink Association.