Murphy Announces National Guard Deployment to Assist Long-Term Care Facilities

Frank L. Cahill
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Murphy Announces National Guard Deployment to Assist Long-Term Care Facilities

MORRIS COUNTY  — Governor Murphy announced that the New Jersey National Guard will be deploying to long-term care facilities throughout New Jersey to assist with COVID-19 response efforts and to augment facilities’ staffing. This is an extension of Joint Task Force COVID Guardian, which has provided coordinated assistance to numerous long-term care facilities since the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Time and time again, the New Jersey National Guard has stepped up to the plate throughout this pandemic,” said Governor Murphy. “This deployment will send members of our National Guard to long-term care facilities with staffing needs and will act to protect the health and safety of long-term-care residents while the Omicron variant surges throughout the nation.

“COVID-19 is still a threat to our New Jersey communities,” said Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Commissioner Brig. Gen. Lisa Hou, D.O.”The Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard are working hard every day to protect public health.”

“We are grateful to the National Guard for their assistance in caring for the residents of those facilities most in need,” said Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Throughout this pandemic, protecting our most vulnerable residents has been paramount. As we have seen in the community, COVID-19 cases and outbreaks have been rising for several weeks in our long-term care facilities. We continue to work closely with long-term care facilities throughout the state to ensure that they have the staff they need.”

Approximately 150 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard are preparing to support staffing requirements of more than a dozen long-term care facilities around the state. Guard members will assist regular staff with a variety of tasks, including administrative and logistical support. Members are undergoing training and work is anticipated to start at their assigned locations on Monday, January 10.

Tasks that National Guard members will assist with will include:

  • Assist residents with getting from bed to chair, walking
  • Assistance in dressing and daily hygiene activities
  • Meal set-up and feeding
  • Routine assistance
  • Testing and screening staff, residents, and visitors

Michael B. Lavery Appointed as Township Attorney

Frank L. Cahill
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Michael B. Lavery Appointed as Township Attorney

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council unanimously voted on Wednesday, January 5, to appoint Michael B. Lavery, Esq. as Parsippany’s newest Township Attorney. If appointed by the Council, Mr. Lavery started serving as the township immediately after the vote was conducted.

Michael B. Lavery is the founding partner of Lavery, Selvaggi. Abromitis and Cohen and the director of the firm’s Municipal Government Practice.  Mr. Lavery is considered one of the state’s foremost attorneys in the area of municipal government law.  He presently represents numerous governmental entities and serves as Special Counsel to the County of Warren for Open Space & Farmland Preservation.

Mr. Lavery has been appointed to be the Township Attorney for Hardwick, Lopatcong, Mansfield, Oxford, Greenwich, and Washington (Warren County) Townships, as well as Attorney for the Frelinghuysen Township Land Use Board, the Chester Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Warren County Soil Conservation District and Special Counsel to the County of Sussex.

Michael is also a seasoned land use attorney.  He has represented many developers, corporations, and individuals in a variety of applications.  He is recognized by land use boards throughout northern New Jersey and respected for his thorough understanding of the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law and his professional approach when appearing before local and administrative boards.  His knowledge of both land use law and local government law uniquely qualifies him as an excellent choice for those applications that demand a competent and thoughtful strategy.

Mr. Lavery is also an accomplished litigator having represented numerous clients in numerous civil and commercial matters in state and federal courts.  He offers clients zealous representation tempered by a practical and sound approach to effectively resolving disputes.

Mr. Lavery is the former State Chairman for the New Jersey Republican Party and formerly served as General Counsel to the NJGOP from November 2017 – 2020.  He was the Mayor of Hackettstown for two terms from 2005-2011. On June 25, 2015, he was appointed by Governor Chris Christie to serve as a Commissioner for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission and a year later he was elected Chairman of the Commission.  He has also served as Republican State Committeeman for Warren County and as Legislative Aide to then-Senator Leonard Lance (R-23), who formerly served as Congressman for the 7th District.  These experiences enable him to assist those seeking to navigate the often confusing aspects of state and local government.  His counsel is often sought by those trying to secure approvals from regulatory and administrative agencies in northern New Jersey and Trenton.

When not representing clients, Michael serves the community as a member of the Hackettstown Medical Center Advisors Board and is former President of the Hackettstown Medical Center Foundation Board. He also serves on the Centenary University Board of Trustees.   Mr. Lavery is a past President of the Hackettstown Area Chamber of Commerce as well as a founding member of the Warren County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lavery formerly served as Chairman of the District 13 Fee Arbitration Committee.

Board of Education will hold a Virtual Meeting

Frank L. Cahill
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Board of Education will hold a Virtual Meeting

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education will hold a VIRTUAL meeting on Thursday, January 6. Regular Session 6:30 p.m.

The members of the Public can click here to join the meeting. Passcode: M673bL

Members of the public will be given the opportunity for public comment during those times allocated on the agenda, and all comments must be in accordance with the procedures and time limits set forth in Board Policy 0167, which can be found in the District website by clicking here.

To request a chance to speak during the public portion, please raise your virtual hand.

The meeting will consist of:

Organization of the Board
PersonnelAward of Bids
Payment of Bills
Transfer of Funds
General Business Items

To download a copy of the Superintendent’s Bulletin can be found by clicking here.

Pennacchio & Oroho Seek Records on Murphy Administration’s Settlement for Veterans Home Deaths

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio & Oroho Seek Records on Murphy Administration’s Settlement for Veterans Home Deaths

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Steven Oroho and Senator Joe Pennacchio have filed requests for public records related to the Murphy administration’s $53 million settlement for veterans’ home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ve filed a request for public records related to the $53 million that apparently will be paid by New Jersey taxpayers to settle claims of negligence and incompetence made against the Murphy administration for deaths in State-run veterans’ homes,” said Oroho (R-24), the incoming Republican leader. “The documents we are seeking will help us to understand what went wrong at the start of the coronavirus pandemic so we can develop effective policies that better protect our seniors and veterans. This isn’t about playing ‘gotcha’ with the administration, we’re trying to save lives.”

Days before Christmas, the Murphy administration confirmed it will pay $52.9 million to settle claims with 119 families of veterans home residents whose deaths were attributed to the coronavirus at the start of the pandemic.

Since May of 2020, Senate Republicans have sought to understand how the Murphy administration’s response to the pandemic contributed to unnecessary deaths in New Jersey’s nursing homes and State-run veteran’s homes.

In a continuing attempt to understand the underlying facts as well as the administration’s rationale for settling claims related to veterans home deaths, Oroho and Pennacchio have filed new requests for government records under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) with the Governor’s Office, Department of Health, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Department of Law & Public Safety as follows:

“Please provide a copy of any and all directives, policy statements, or other instructions or guidance, related to COVID-19, provided under the authority of the [named department], or any subdivision thereof, to any administrator, supervisor, or other staff or personnel, including volunteers, of a State-operated veterans nursing home in New Jersey between March 1, 2020, and the date on which this request is received.

“Additionally, please provide a copy of any settlement, mediation, arbitration or other agreement entered into by the State, or subdivision thereof, arising out of a lawsuit concerning the death, due to COVID-19, of a resident of any of the State-operated veterans nursing homes in New Jersey, as well as any government record relied upon to determine the terms of the settlement, mediation, arbitration, or other agreement.”

The Murphy administration denied a prior OPRA request from Senate Republicans seeking documents transmitted by the Department of Law & Public Safety to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice pursuant to a federal investigation into pandemic-related nursing and veterans home deaths.

Pennacchio said he is hoping this new effort leads to a greater understanding of the impact of Murphy administration policies which forced the admission and prevented the testing of patients by nursing homes and State-run veterans home. Further, he hopes settlement-related documents can answer questions about the role of the New Jersey Department of Health and the State Epidemiologist in developing those policies and provide a clear timeline of discussions.

“At every turn, we’ve been stonewalled by the Murphy administration and denied access to public records that could provide critical insight to lawmakers,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Their repeated denials will not deter us from continuing to seek important pandemic records that can inform our efforts to improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of New Jerseyans. Every OPRA request the Murphy administration denies only strengthens our case for convening a select committee with subpoena power to get the answers that lawmakers, victims, and families deserve.”

Senate Republicans have been calling for the formation of an investigative select committee since May of 2020 and have made multiple efforts to bring a resolution (SR-68) forming the committee up for a vote.

Following news of the $53 million settlement, the Senate Republican caucus sent a letter to Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Senate President-Designate Nicholas Scutari repeating calls for the formation of a Senate Select Committee on the Executive Branch’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Free Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is Launched

Frank L. Cahill
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The Free Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is Launched

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi is pleased to announce the launch of the Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App; a new and free online service. Continuing to bring innovation and enhancements to the Clerk’s Office has been a hallmark of her tenure and the Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is the latest installment of Ann’s commitment to both Morris County and the greater area she serves.

“By utilizing modern technology to engage citizens, the free Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is designed to give residents easy access to all the services offered by the Morris County Clerk’s Office,” said Clerk Grossi. With the 2022 New Year in full swing, the Morris County Clerk’s App is ready to provide the information and services delivered directly into your home right to your fingertips. Need to see current or past election results? Easy, simply hit the “Elections” button. Want to know what they require applying for a passport or need to schedule an appointment? Easy, just hit the “Passports” button. Need forms? Another easy fix just hit the “Forms” button. Other features include access to the free online Property Fraud Alert System, Registry, Social Media, Notary, Latest News, Records Vault, and other services, such as Veteran; Senior, Gold Star Parent ID’s, as well as our “On the Road Programs.”

Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App can be downloaded for Apple devices in the App Store. They can also download the app for Android devices in the Google Play Store. If you have questions about downloading the app, please contact Brian Tone at (973) 829-8201.

William Schievella Elected Vice-Chair of L.E.A.D. Board of Directors

Frank L. Cahill
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William Schievella Elected Vice-Chair of L.E.A.D. Board of Directors

MORRIS COUNTY — Rockaway Resident William Schievella has been elected Vice-Chair of Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.), an organization dedicated to educating communities about the dangers of drugs and violence.

“We are thrilled that Bill will be our Vice-Chair,” said Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D. “He has been a tremendous Board member and our Directors unanimously elected him Vice-Chair. He will provide excellent leadership for our Board and our organization overall.”

L.E.A.D. is taught in 40 states by over 2800 dedicated police officers, teachers, and prevention specialists, who provide leadership and resources to allow law enforcement agencies to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. As the only proven effective anti-drug, anti-violence curriculum for students K-12, the L.E.A.D. the curriculum is taught over the course of a 10-week program to educate our youth on how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs.

Currently, Bill serves as the Director of the Police Studies Institute at Saint Elizabeth University, where he oversees the implementation of executive development programs for law enforcement as well as community-based law enforcement collaboration. He is a Criminal Justice and Public Service Professor as well as the current President of the New Jersey Italian American Police Society.

In 2017 and 2018, Bill was the Director of Communications and Community Policing for the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Along with being elected Vice-Chair of L.E.A.D.’s Board of Directors, Bill’s achievements include being named ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ by the New Jersey Columbus Day Parade and ‘Grand Marshal’ of the Morris County Columbus Day Parade.

For more info on L.E.A.D’s Board of Directors click here.

About L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources, and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. L.E.A.D. succeeds by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying, and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill, and relations between law enforcement and their communities. For more information click here.

Update: Massive Fire in Green Hill Plaza

Frank L. Cahill
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Update: Massive Fire in Green Hill Plaza

PARSIPPANY — Early morning fire was reported at approximately 12:45 a.m., on Tuesday, January 4, a multi-alarm fire in the Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road. Witnesses at the scene said it started in Joseph’s Pizzeria.  Reports that the rear of Joseph’s Pizzeria collapsed.  The address for Joseph’s Pizzeria is 180 Parsippany Road. Best Brains Learning Center, Joseph’s Pizza, Empty Store (Bagel), Panda Wok, Pediatrics, and Dry Cleaner were deemed uninhabitable at this time due to structural damage. All remaining stores are closed at this time.

Aerial view of the shopping plaza
Aerial view of the shopping plaza
Aerial view of the shopping plaza
Rear view of the shopping plaza
Aerial view of the shopping plaza

Picture of the entrance of Joseph’s Pizzeria
Picture of the entrance of Joseph’s Pizzeria

It was reported by breaking news alerts that a firefighter was injured while putting out the flames, and was transported to Morristown Medical Center.  The efforts to distinguish the blaze continued all night and into early afternoon.

“Nothing I saw led me to believe arson, but they’re obviously going to do their thing,” District 6 Fire Chief Vincent Petito said to the Daily Record. “They may know something I don’t. But I didn’t see anyone running away here with a gas can.”

S&A Pediatrics had a “red sticker” prohibiting entrance to the premises
Best Brains Learning Center had a “red sticker” prohibiting entrance to the premises
The ladder truck was still visible approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday
The ladder truck was still visible approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday

A Parsippany police spokesperson declined to comment, deferring to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The fire remains under investigation.

All six Parsippany fire districts responded to the scene, with support arriving from Rockaway Township, Montville, Morris Township Fire Department, Whippany, Lincoln Park, Boonton, and Boonton Township. Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and the Morris Township Office of Emergency Management also came to render aid to the firefighters. Parsippany Emergency Medical Services, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Fire Department, and Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene.

The shopping center consists of individual condo units. Joseph’s Pizza consists of approximately 2,300 square feet. The unit to the right of Joseph’s Pizza is currently vacant.

Also located in the same shopping center are Beauty City Salon and Spa, Greenhill Pharmacy, Quick Chek, Panda Wok, The “Laundry”, Fusha Sushi Bar, Greenhill Liquors, S & A Pediatrics, Lakeview Dental, Dahlia’s Medical, Massage, as well as a few other businesses.

Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road
Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road
ire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road

Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road
Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road

Kiwanis Club is Distributing Free “Winter Children Jackets”

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club is Distributing Free “Winter Children Jackets”

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Kiwanis Club of South Orange Maplewood have teamed up in the distribution of free Winter Children Jackets.

“This has been an annual project, mainly supply jackets to the homeless. This year we decided to supply jackets to area children,” said Gordon Meth.

The jackets are available in assorted sizes and styles. Both Kiwanis Clubs will schedule a day and location to pick up the jackets, and in some cases, our volunteers will be able to deliver them to your home.

To obtain a jacket, please visit kiwanishelps.org and choose the Children Jackets tab, and fill out the form to reserve your jacket. While supplies last.

NJ Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill said “Kiwanis has been there to help families during hard times, especially during COVID-19. At Kiwanis, we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. We believe that by helping one child, you help the world.”

“I believe in giving back to my community. That’s why I became a member of Kiwanis. When Kiwanis donated surgical masks to my department, I knew immediately I wanted to join a wonderful organization.” said Dover Police Officer Ilmi Bojkovic.

Kiwanis Clubs in Northern New Jersey have been supplying food to local families since December 2020. To date they have distributed 358,000 pounds, serving almost 9,000 families and over 17,000 children. The food distributed has a retail value of over $600,000.  The next food distribution will be held on Saturday, January 22.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you help improve a community or give a child a chance to learn experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!

For additional information contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100. For more information click here.

Michael Soriano Elected to State Democratic Committee

Frank L. Cahill
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Michael Soriano Elected to State Democratic Committee

MORRIS COUNTY — Michael Soriano of Parsippany has been elected by the Morris County Democratic Committee as a new representative on the New Jersey State Democratic Committee.

T.C. McCourt of Dover and James Plaisted of Boonton were also running for the position.

Outgoing State Committeeman Phil Sellinger takes on his new role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

The party also has a county chair for each of the state’s 21 counties. Current elected officials. The New Jersey Democratic Party holds a majority in the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly. The party also holds both U.S. Senate seats, 10 of the state’s 12 U.S. House seats, and the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s offices

Seniors Apply for Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships

Frank L. Cahill
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Seniors Apply for Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High and Parsippany Hills seniors are encouraged to apply for the $1,000 scholarships open to ALL graduating seniors. Multiple scholarships will be awarded.  Apply through your school’s Guidance Department and follow their timeline and procedures. Scholarships have been awarded to hundreds of students over 65 years thanks to the club’s successful fundraisers held each year.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), which are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Fire & Rescue Building at 100 Centerton Road, Parsippany.

If you would like to attend our next General Meeting call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703 or e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com.

Click here to visit their website.  Follow the club on FACEBOOK or Twitter.

 

 

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