PARSIPPANY — A 40-year lease will allow for the creation of a walking trail around the Boonton Reservoir in Parsippany was approved by the Jersey City Council on Wednesday, September 26. The reservoir is fed by the Rockaway River opened in 1904 to provide Jersey City with drinking water.
The reservoir is located in Parsippany and Boonton, just northeast of where Routes 46 and 287 intersect. The water accounts for about 900 acres of the property.
Fishing, boating and swimming in the reservoir would remain prohibited.
The council voted 7-2 to approve the lease, with council members Michael Yun and James Solomon voting no.
“I want to thank the towns of Boonton and Parsippany for having us here today,” said Jersey City Councilman At Large Daniel Rivera.
Jersey City Councilman Daniel Rivera was joined by Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano in consultation with the Open Space Institute (OSI), the Jersey City Environmental Commission (JCEC) to sign an ordinance creating a plan focusing on the protection and safety of the Boonton Reservoir, as the area opens to the public with walking trails. Through Jersey City Ordinance 18-04, a master plan will be created to maintain the quality of the water for drinking purposes while providing security to the area for the first time.
Mayor Michael Soriano
“Our administration has been working hard with OSI, JCEC and the towns surrounding the reservoir, Parsippany and Boonton, to ensure that the water from the Boonton Reservoir will remain protected, finding ways to increase water quality and secure access as we look to create walking trails,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “Increasing quality to the environment and to the drinking water is of top priority, but this plan additionally provides our Jersey City students a new opportunity to understand how the facility works on future educational field trips,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop.
Chief Andrew Miller addresses the audience regarding security at the Boonton Reservoir
The Open Space Institute will study and assess the land to create a plan, including educational components. The administration will also work the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and Morris County Park Patrol to enhance security in and around the reservoir area.
“The Boonton Reservoir Protection and Trail Project establishes long-term strategies to ensure the families of Jersey City maintain access to safe, reliable drinking water, while expanding passive recreational opportunities,” said Terrence Nolan, OSI Senior Vice President. “In addition to employing natural, land-based solutions to address problems such as storm water runoff, OSI looks forward to working with our partners in pursuit of potential land conservation projects throughout the Rockaway River watershed to protect water sources now and for future generations.”
Terrence Nolan, OSI Senior Vice President, Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief Andrew Miller, Jersey City Councilman Daniel Rivera and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano
“Having an active recreational facility on site would require regular maintenance and supervision, overall increasing security measures around the reservoir, where there is currently none in place,” said Fulop. “The OSI will create a plan that aims to preserve the environmental integrity of the entire area.
“I am so excited to live in a place with such a gem of nature. To make this accessible to the public gives Parsippany another reason to be the #1 place to be,” said Parsippany Councilwoman Emily Peterson.
Jersey City Reservoir
The agreement for the 1,300-acre reservoir site, will span 40 years at a cost of $1. The Boonton Reservoir has been Jersey City’s primary water source since 1904. The lease requires the creation of a property management plan, one that local environmental advocates wanted so they and others would have input on the creation of the 7.5-mile trail. If the plan is not created within two years, the lease will be terminated.
Eric Hubner, Coordinator of Parsippany-Troy Hills Office of Emergency Management and Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Khaled Madin
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco is looking to add two more weapons to the state’s arsenal in its efforts to combat the escalating opioid crisis.
“Overdose deaths are declining nationwide, but continue to soar here, which means there are a lot of folks out there who need help,” said Bucco (R-Morris).
New Jersey’s drug overdose deaths increased 24 percent in 2017 to 2,750, with nearly eight deaths each day, according to the state attorney general. Overdoses are on track to exceed a record-setting 3,000 deaths this year, potentially making it the fourth leading cause of death behind heart disease, cancer and car accidents. More people die from opioids than diabetes, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, pneumonia and kidney disease.
A main contributor is the over prescribing of painkillers, which are more potent because of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Synthetic drugs are blamed for nearly half the 2017 deaths.
Bucco introduced legislation (A4513) last week giving doctors and nurses up to $5,000 in tax credits to volunteer at addiction clinics where there is a doctor shortage. Doctors would earn a $175.00 credit for each hour they volunteer while physician assistants and advanced practice nurses earn a $115.00 credit per hour. It also grants them immunity from civil liability.
There are less than 40 health care providers for every 1,000 people with drug addictions in New Jersey, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We need more staff at clinics who are licensed to prescribe medications for drug dependence,” continued Bucco. “Making physician assistants and nurses eligible for these tax credits will hopefully result in more volunteers so people can get the help they need at a reduced cost to the patient and the clinic.”
A second bill (A4514) creates a drug abuse registry of people with opioid addictions that doctors must access before prescribing drugs so addicts cannot shop around for additional prescriptions.
“Many times people who are addicted see multiple doctors because they’re desperate for drugs,” said Bucco. “Doctors can unknowingly feed a habit if an addict’s overdose or history of abuse is unknown. A registry will go a long way in stopping this practice.”
The measure establishes a registry, developed and maintained by the state Human Services department, allowing medical professionals to track a patient’s drug use and history of misuse. Hospitals, police departments and other first responders will be responsible for submitting the information. The data will alert the medical community to abusive habits and help identify the areas where the most abuse is occurring. The data collected under the legislation will also help government agencies provide support where it is most needed.
Bucco noted that a law signed last year limiting initial opioid prescriptions to a five-day supply is working. Prescriptions declined 28 percent since March 2017.
“We’re making some progress, but have a long way to go,” concluded Bucco. “These bills will help our efforts.”
MORRISTOWN — The greatest family musical of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is touching down in Morristown at Mayo Performing Arts Center, Friday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 pm. Tickets are $49.00 to $99.00.
This magical production is a celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, and will be presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.
Dean Sobon will serve as the Director and previously created the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Amy McCleary will create the magical choreography and was the Director/Choreographer of the national tour of Memphis, the Musical and the choreographer of the national tour of The Wedding Singer. The team of Sobon and McCleary will take Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow “Over the Rainbow” to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest and the Emerald City.
Featuring the classic songs, as composed by Harold Arlen, “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “If I Only Had A Brain,” along with the beloved characters, THE WIZARD OF OZ will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable day at the theater.
Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2018-2019 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres, and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.
Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South Street, Morristown.
MORRIS COUNTY — Nodding to congressional candidate Mikie Sherrill’s long-standing relationship working with law enforcement officers in New Jersey, the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (NJSPBA) endorsed her candidacy for U.S. Congress.
“As a U.S. Navy veteran and Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mikie Sherrill knows what public service means, and has worked with law enforcement throughout her career, said NJSPBA President Patrick Colligan. “She is a leader who will stand with our officers to make sure they get the grants and funding they need so they can focus on keeping our communities safe. The NJSPBA is proud to endorse Mikie Sherrill.”
“When it comes to electing the next Representative for the 11th District, Mikie Sherrill is the best candidate for the job,” said NJSPBA Executive Vice President Marc Kovar. “The NJSPBA knows that in Congress, Mikie will stand up for a secure retirement and good healthcare. That stands in stark contrast to Assemblyman Jay Webber, who has a career in Trenton of voting against the interests of our communities. We know Mikie Sherrill will make an excellent Congresswoman for New Jersey.”
“At the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I had the honor of working with the fine men and women of New Jersey’s law enforcement agencies,” said Congressional Candidate Mikie Sherrill. “Their dedication to their jobs and commitment to keeping our communities safe deserves respect from our leaders in Congress. I am grateful to have their support for my campaign, and will work hard to fight for their interests in Washington to make their jobs easier here in New Jersey.”
The New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association represents more than 33,000 men and women in uniform across the state.
Mikie Sherrill is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Sherrill served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey from 2012 to 2016, where she worked extensively with local, state, and federal law enforcement officials to improve relationships with the community, keep illegal guns off the street, and address the opioid epidemic.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program has named Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco to its honor roll for supporting manufacturing and vocations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics — known as the STEM fields.
A member of the bipartisan legislative manufacturing caucus, Bucco received the award today at the organization’s National Manufacturing Day event in Franklin Township, Somerset County. Bucco has sponsored several bills to help revitalize the industry, including giving tax credits to businesses that hire and retain employees and purchase steel and aluminum. He also sponsored legislation creating the Red Tape Review Commission to reduce burdensome regulations.
“Our economy was built on factories and foundries that produced textiles, iron, steel, pottery and glass that once made the state the economic engine of the northeast,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “Today, a new generation of manufacturers are continuing the legacy, but there is a lot more we can do to help the industry expand and create new opportunities for growth. I am honored to receive this award.”
Manufacturing is a $40 billion industry in New Jersey, with more than 10,000 companies employing an estimated 360,000 people.
NJMEP created the honor roll two years ago to acknowledge state and federal officials and educators who have supported the state’s manufacturers in various ways. It is a private, not–for-profit organization concerned with improving the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey’s manufacturers by enhancing productivity and efficiencies, reducing costs, and improving employee performance.
PARSIPPANY — Living Waters Church in partnership with the Atlantic Health System will hold a lecture and discussion about Medical Decisions on Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Joseph F. Fennelly, MD will be Keynote Speaker.
Dr. Joseph Fennelly is nationally recognized for his expertise on bioethics, end-of-life care, and why conversations matter.
Join for an interactive lecture and discussion about:
Life sustaining treatments
Palliative and hospice care
How to talk to your doctor and significant others
How to choose a healthcare proxy
Shared decision-making before a medical crisis occurs
Registration is free and light refreshments will be served. Living Waters Church is located at 649 Vail Road.
Click here to register or contact Mary Rich at (973) 626-1072. Walk-ins are welcome. Sponsored by Living Waters Church in partnership with the Atlantic Health System
MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that two men who were arrested last year in the multi-agency child protection initiative “Operation Safety Net” pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography on the internet.
Zachary S. Brawer, 32, Lincoln Park, pleaded guilty to a charge of second-degree distribution of child pornography before Superior Court Judge Thomas J. Critchley Jr. in Morris County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Brawer be sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2½ years of parole ineligibility. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
A special agent of U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) monitoring a peer-to-peer network downloaded numerous files of child pornography from a shared folder at an IP address that was traced to Brawer. HSI-Newark, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Lincoln Park Police Department executed a search warrant at Brawer’s residence and arrested him on July 18, 2017. They seized his laptop computer, which contained over 100 files of child pornography, including more than 20 hours of video files. Brawer is scheduled to be sentenced on October 5.
“We will continue our collaborative and proactive efforts to arrest child pornography offenders, as long as children continue to be sexually abused to create these vile materials and offenders continue to re-victimize those children by distributing their images on the internet,” said Attorney General Grewal. “These crimes inflict terrible harm on the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Gregory Piszczek, 36, of Woodbridge, N.J., pleaded guilty to charges of distribution of child pornography (2nd degree) and possession of over 100 files of child pornography (3rd degree) before Superior Court Judge Benjamin S. Bucca Jr. in Middlesex County. Under the plea agreement, the state will recommend that Piszczek be sentenced to five years in state prison, including 2 ½ years of parole ineligibility. He will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
Piszczek, who was employed as an IT professional, was arrested on August 3, 2017, by members of the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. ICAC Task Force members executed a search warrant at his residence after detectives of the Division of Criminal Justice, while monitoring a peer-to-peer file sharing network, downloaded multiple files of child pornography from a shared folder at an IP address traced to Piszczek. Computer devices seized from Piszczek contained over 4,000 videos and images of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30.
Deputy Attorney General Marie McGovern prosecuted Piszczek and Deputy Attorney General Thomas Huynh prosecuted Brawer for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau.
“By seeking lengthy prison sentences – including mandatory minimum terms without parole – we send a message that we will prosecute these offenders aggressively using New Jersey’s tough child pornography laws,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Protecting innocent children from this type of sexual exploitation is a critical mission of our Division and its partners.”
“Predators like this need to know that interagency cooperation ensures that such heinous activities like this are being monitored 24 x 7,” said Brian Michael, Special Agent in Charge for HSI, Newark. “The expert investigative skills that HSI brings to the forefront helped close the loop on this individual, bringing him to much deserved justice.”
Piszczek and Brawer were among 79 child predators and child pornography offenders arrested in “Operation Safety Net,” a nine-month, multi-agency child protection operation conducted in 2017 by the New Jersey Regional ICAC Task Force, which is led by the New Jersey State Police and includes the Division of Criminal Justice, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, all 21 County Prosecutors’ Offices, and many other state, county and local law enforcement agencies. Ten alleged “hands-on” offenders were arrested, including eight New Jersey men, as well as men in California and Indiana who allegedly tried to have children transported interstate from New Jersey for them to sexually assault.
The cases are being prosecuted for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Julia S. Glass. Attorney General Grewal commended the detectives, agents and officers who investigated for the Division of Criminal Justice, HSI-Newark, the U.S Postal Inspection Service, Lincoln Park Police Department and New Jersey ICAC Task Force.
Attorney General Grewal and Director Allende urged anyone with information about the distribution of child pornography on the internet – or about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children – to contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at 888-648-6007.
PARSIPPANY — The Friends of the Parsippany Library’s and Woman’s Club of Parsippany’s September 22 Storybook Breakfast raised over $800.00 for the Parsippany Library. The event included a continental breakfast served by storybook characters, a children’s book sale, raffle for book-themed prizes, and a special storytime and craft by author Tara Lazar.
Volunteers dressed as characters including the Man in the Yellow Hat, Miss Frizzle, Pete the Cat, and Pinkalicious helped serve the continental breakfast that included donations from Udi’s, Lifeway Kefir, Cream-o-Land Dairy and Starbucks.
New Jersey resident and award-winning author Tara Lazar read her book Little Red Gliding Hood and helped the children in attendance create their own Little Red crafts. Attendees also learned about as a typical day in the life of an author.
Cookie Monster also made an appearance, inviting the children to enjoy milk and cookies after the storytime.
Volunteers from both sponsoring organizations as well as local Girl Scouts members, Students in Action volunteers from Parsippany Hills High School, and individuals from the Parsippany community came together to put on this event.
This event was also made possible by sponsorships from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Wegmans, and Springboard Therapy.
Applebee’s was the first sponsor to sign on and Wegmans is a returning sponsor, having previously supported an anniversary gala and Bollywood Night event that benefited the library. Springboard Therapy rounds out the sponsorships and reflects the event’s focus on children.
Springboard Therapy was created with a vision to provide a safe, fun and respectful environment where children who struggle with a variety of developmental and sensory processing difficulties can thrive and build skills, confidence and a positive sense of self.
To learn more about how you can contribute to the growth of Parsippany’s libraries and community, visit the Friends of the Parsippany Library website by clicking here and the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — Nicholas “Nick” James Cerbo, 86, died on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at Morristown Medical Center.
Nick was born in Boonton on December 7, 1931 and was the son of Salvatore and Stefanina (Perrotta) Cerbo, Italian immigrants. His family moved to Parsippany when he was six years old. Nick graduated from Boonton High School in 1949 at a time when Parsippany didn’t have a high school. He attended Boys State in his junior year.
Nick was the owner of Cerbo Lumber & Hardware which was started by his family in 1948 and proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
Nick had a ready smile and was a friend to all. He loved to read. He enjoyed antique cars and trucks. He took pride in giving tours of the lumber yard to school students and Boy Scout troops and has sponsored many Eagle Scout projects.
Nick was active member of his community. He loved local history and hosting talks about the early days in Parsippany.
He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and an inactive charter member of the Parsippany Elks. His business is a member of both the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Montville Chamber of Commerce. He previously sat on the Montville branch Advisory Board of Lakeland Bank and was a long-time member of the Morris County School of Technology Building Trades Advisory Board.
Nick was a founding and active member of the Morris County Organ Transplant Group, having received a life-saving heart transplant in 1996. Nick had one of the first portable LVADs at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Both surgeries were performed by Dr. Mehmet Oz. He was a proud NJ Sharing Network Ambassador.
Nick was the Parsippany Rotary Outstanding Businessman in 1990, with his brother Rocco, and Rotary Citizen of the year in 1993. His business was a finalist in the Rothman Institute of entrepreneurial studies family business of the year. He received the Good Scout Award from Patriots Path Boy Scouts Council, was a UNICO Man of the Year, Italian American Man of the Year and received the key to the township of Parsippany. Nick was awarded a silver life membership in the PBA by the Parsippany Police Department in 1971. Nick was also NJ Lumberman’s Association Lumberman of the Year in 2006.
Nick is pre-deceasd by his brother, Rocco Cerbo, and his sisters, Filomena A. Cerbo and Anna R. Detaranto.
Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Margaret Mary (nee-Cahill); his daughter Catherine “Cathy” Mary Cerbo; Nick is also survived by many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.
Visitation is at Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road, on Monday, October 8, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Graveside Service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 at Saint Mary Cemetery, 371 South Main Street, Wharton.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to the NJ Sharing Network Foundation, 691 Central Avenue, New Providence, NJ 07974.
PARSIPPANY — Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouses held a “Pet Adoption Day” on Saturday, October 6. St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison brought a dozen adoptable puppies to the event. Terrie Carr and Team was on-site, and visitors had a chance to win tickets to WDHA’s Naughty Or Nice Ball featuring Breaking Benjamin!
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. We believe in and provide services that support the human-animal bond and seek to foster an environment in which people respect all living creatures.
For more information on how to adopt any of these pets click here.
Tyler Cerbo playing with the dogs that are available for adoptionTara Weiss holding YettaTyler Cerbo holding, YogiTyler Cerbo, holding Yogi; Alex Weiss holding Turi and Tara Weiss holding Yetta. All of the dogs are available for adoption through St. HubertsSt. Hubert’sCerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouses held a Pet Adoption Day
In the early 1900’s Antonio Cerbo, Sr., arrived from Italy (he was the first known Italian man in the Parsippany area!) and started a roadside farm stand.
This humble stand grew to formally become Cerbo’s in 1913. Cerbo’s been family owned and operated since that time and are now proudly operated by our 3rd and 4th generations of family right here on the same spot it all started.
Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center is Parsippany’s oldest business – even older than the town itself! The original deed was completed on a piece of parchment paper and consisted of 26 acres much of which is now under Route 80.
As we enter our 105th year of business they’re proud to carry on Antonio’s commitment to the local community.
Both Tyler and Tara are fourth generations.
For more information on Cerbo’s Greenhouse and Garden Center click here.
This event was also made possible by sponsorships from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Wegmans, and Springboard Therapy.
