Township Council Meeting to be held Tuesday, May 4

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its regularly scheduled council agenda meeting Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

For more information, please contact the Township Clerk’s office at (973) 263-4351 or email pthclerk@parsippany.net.

An ordinance can be found below:

Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Scheduled for May 5, 2021

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

For more information, please call (973) 263-4286 or email njolie@parsippany.net.

Parsippany to Hold Public Hearing for Green Acres Program Application

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold a public hearing next month concerning its application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Acres Program, for a proposed minor diversion of parkland owned by the Township.

This application is subject to NJDEP Commissioner and State House Commission approval and is available for review at the Municipal Clerk’s office, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, by calling the Township Clerk at (973) 263-4358 or the Township website by clicking here, at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road, and at the NJDEP Green Acres Program offices (address below).

The public hearing will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., to be hosted via a virtual meeting platform. Due to the State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency declared by Governor Murphy, and in an effort to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of Township residents, this meeting is being held by electronic remote access via WebEx Meeting (https://bit.ly/3ugbh1T, entering First Name/Last Name/E-mail Address when prompted) or via the conference line (844-621-3956, PIN: 631180).

All interested parties are invited to attend and participate in the public hearing. In addition to oral comments presented during the hearing, written comments may be submitted to the agencies listed below. All written comments must be received within two weeks following the hearing, by Thursday, May 27, 2021.

The proposed parkland diversion would involve the construction of a 0.164-acre portion of Block 736, Lot 9.01 on the official tax map of the Township, by the Township’s water department of a replacement well, pump house, and access drive in support of the Township’s drinking water system. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:36-26.5(a)1, as compensation for the proposed minor diversion, the Township proposes to remit $19,311.22 to Green Acres for deposit into the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund.

This application also requires a minor diversion from the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.  The proposed minor diversion of a 0.164-acre portion of Block 736, Lot 9.01 forms part of the open space lands preserved, in part, with funding assistance from the Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund as part of the Smith Road Sheep Farm (Block 736, Lots 9.01 and 9.02) in 2005.  Compensation for the proposed minor diversion will be determined in accordance with the Morris County Open Space, Farmland, Floodplain Protection, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund Rules.

All written comments should be submitted to the Township of Parsippany Troy Hills Water Department, with a copy to the NJDEP Green Acres Program and Morris County, at the following addresses:

Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
Water Department
1001 Parsippany Boulevard
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Attention: John Wieworka
JWieworka@Parsippany.net

NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Green Acres Program
Bureau of Legal Services and Stewardship
Mail Code 501-01
P.O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420
Attention: Morris County Steward
Adam.Taylor@dep.nj.gov

County of Morris
Office of Planning & Preservation
P.O. Box 900
Morristown, NJ 07963-0900
Attention: Joseph Barilla, PP/AICP
jbarilla@co.morris.nj.us

Due to remote working arrangements during the current state of a public health emergency, e-mail comments are preferred.

 

Sewa North Jersey Helps Clean Jersey City Reservoir

PARSIPPANY — A group of more than two hundred Sewa International North Jersey chapter volunteers and their families cleaned up the Jersey City Reservoir to commemorate Earth Day.

In conjunction with the town of Parsippany, volunteers met at Parsippany PAL, busing their way to the reservoir to clean, beautify and protect it. The event began at 9:30 a.m., continuing until 1:00 p.m. as volunteers cleared debris and trash, making the water supply safer.

“When Parsippany called on us to clean up the reservoir, we were more than happy to help. It was great to see so many people who care about our planet come together to make this place cleaner, safer,” said Sewa North Jersey Chapter Coordinator, Rashmita Shanbag.

Among the volunteers were high school students from Sewa North Jersey’s LEAD program, an internship that trains students in community engagement, promoting volunteerism and environmentalism. “It is a privilege to give back to our community and make a difference,” said Sewa’s Director of Projects and Programs Prem Pusuloori.

Sewa is committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.

Walk-Ins Allowed at Morris County COVID-19 Vaccine Mega Site

MORRIS COUNTY — All six vaccine mega-sites are open for walk-in vaccinations.  Residents, 16 and up can come to the mega-sites between select times.

Locations of the mega-sites are:

  • Morris County Megasite (Rockaway Townsquare, 301 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rockaway): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
  • Atlantic County Megasite (Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City): 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Bergen County Megasite (Racetrack at Meadowlands, 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
  • Burlington County Megasite (Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Gloucester County Megasite (Rowan College of South Jersey, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Middlesex County Megasite (New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison): 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Pre-registration via the Atlantic Health site remains the preferred method by clicking here.

Purple Paint Presents Virtual Holi; Have Fun and Help Girls

PARSIPPANY — Holi is a festival of colors that announces the arrival of spring. After a long-white-cold winter, what could be more symbolic to welcome chirping of birds, sprawling green blanket of grass, new green leaves, and colorful flowers than COLORS? Holi is celebrated in many parts of the world usually in March or April. These months are usually still not warm enough in the United States so we improvise and play Holi in May.

On the day of the Holi, friends, and family gather for a feast, exchange pleasantries, and play with colored powder (aka colors) and water balloons. While throwing color on others, screams of “Holi Hai! Bura Naa Maano, Holi Hai!!”, which means “It is Holi! Please do not mind, It is Holi!!” could be heard. Throwing color and then asking for forgiveness is symbolic of asking for forgiveness for anything you might have said or done over the past year. You ask for forgiveness from friends and relatives and of course, you are forgiven with a splash of color and a big hug. A sweet or candy is also stuffed in your mouth with a big smile. Water balloons and water blasters add a flavor to the entire celebration. It is a great way to bring colors and happiness after a long and lazy winter.

We all are fortunate to celebrate Holi in some shape or form. But there are many around the world who are not as fortunate. Just like we all want to turn the page of our lives by celebrating Holi and go into bright and colorful days, it is upon us to help others and take them along. After all, fun while celebrating Holi multiplies exponentially when celebrated with many (each and everyone around us). These are some unprecedented times when holding hands with others is a lot more relevant. Children and specifically girls are more vulnerable to current COVID conditions. The second COVID wave in India has traumatized the entire world. Due to ongoing lockdowns and just fear of going out, girls in rural areas as well as from backward backgrounds are struggling to get hold of basic health and hygiene necessities. With your help, Purple Paint wants to turn the page for these girls and help them go from gloomy days amid COVID to a little bit of color in their lives. Purple Paint plans to supply health and hygiene necessities to over 500 girls.

Purple Paint brings “Virtual Holi” to you. The virtual event will be organized on Sunday, May 23 at 4:00 p.m. Join us for amazing performances, dance to DJ beats, and then play Holi in your backyard with friends and family. To make this happen, we have prepared a “Holi Kit” that you can purchase for a very nominal charge of $50.00.

Each kit includes two packets of colors, a bunch of 30+ balloons, two t-shirts, two sunglasses, a sweet or candy. The kit has enough color and balloons to play with four or more friends and family members. You may order more than one “Holi Kit”. If you do not play Holi, please consider making a donation.

While we all play Holi, we want to spread some color in the lives of others, not just symbolically but for real. Please join Purple Paint’s Virtual Holi event and extend helping hands to girls in need especially in these unprecedented times. Purple Paint plans to raise $5000. 100% proceeds go towards supporting health and hygiene supplies for girls.

To order your “Holi Kit”, click here and on “Order Holi Kit Now”. Please select the option “Holi Kit” while placing your order. To help reduce shipping costs, we will coordinate pick-up points within the Parsippany area during the week prior to the event on May 23. This will allow us to support more girls.

 For more information click here or  For help with your Holi Kit orders and event sponsorship, please email paintings@purplepaint.org or call (973) 641-2048.

Planning Board Meeting Set for Monday, May 3

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will conduct its Planning Board meeting on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be held via a web conferencing program named WebEx. This program will allow the public to listen in to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only. This program uses a “raise hand” button in the software to address those who wish to speak during the public portion.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to speak during the public portion, they will need to provide their first name, last name, email address, address and city accurately. Anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.

7-11 Application Withdrawn

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board received correspondence from Mark Semeraro of Kaufman Semeraro & Leibman requesting Application 17:74, (240 Littleton Road) be withdrawn.

The property 240 Littleton Road is located on Block: 412 Lots: 8 and 9 Zone: O-1. Previously the applicant was requesting C/D/Preliminary and Final Major Site Plan to develop the property with one building for a 7-11 and an unnamed tenant.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting for April 21, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting for April 21, 2021

Click here to download the agenda.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council – April 20, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council – April 20, 2021.

Click here to download the agenda.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting for March 24, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting for March 24, 2021.

Click here to download the agenda.

 

 

Mayor Michael Soriano to Attend President Biden’s Virtual Address

PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano will join Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) as her guest for President Biden’s Address to the Joint Session of Congress this evening at 9:00 p.m.

This will be the first time a Parsippany Mayor has been invited to attend a Presidential Address.

This is President Biden’s first address to Congress since taking office as the 46th President of the United States on January 20, 2021, which will mark his presidency’s first 100 days.

Parsippany-Troy Hills is the largest municipality in Morris County and the second-largest in New Jersey’s Eleventh Congressional District.

Due to security restrictions at the U.S. Capitol, as well as the ongoing safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a limited number of people will attend the address in person. While the address is being televised, guests will be attending the event in a virtual ceremony.

“It’s an honor to be invited by Rep. Sherrill, she’s been working hard for NJ-11, and for Parsippany,” said Mayor Soriano. “Our community has been hit so hard over the past year from the pandemic and the economic fallout. I’ll be very interested in hearing what the President hopes to achieve, both for the country and for municipalities like ours that are doing everything they can to recover and make ends meet.”

“Tonight, the President will address Congress and the nation to highlight the work we’ve done and lay out his vision for how we can expand on it,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I am excited to invite Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano to be my virtual guest for this year’s address. As mayor of one of the biggest towns in NJ-11, he worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep residents safe and keep essential services up and running. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan and the direct state and local funding that I fought to keep included, the help mayors like Mayor Soriano need to keep their communities working, overcome revenue shortfalls, and build for the future is on its way.”

Some of the topics that President Biden will discuss will presumably include COVID-19 vaccination rollout efforts, and the American Rescue Plan, which earmarked over $5.39 million for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

“So many expenses are hitting our residents right now,” said Soriano. “With property taxes coming due, it’s nearly impossible for countless residents to keep up. Our residents deserve this American Rescue Plan money to offset the impossible choices they’ve had to make to simply keep food on the table for their families.”

Soriano also hopes to hear more about the importance of passing an infrastructure bill, as Americans continue to depend on these systems and utilities each day that are in desperate need of repair and modernizing.

“Parsippany is in need of infrastructure improvements, and not just roads, water, and sewer,” said Soriano. “Our electrical grid and our internet capabilities cannot continue to be shoe-strung together year after year, only to have them fail every time that the weather gets bad. And with so many of our residents working from home, our community depends on these utilities for jobs, for health, and for survival. I’m very interested in hearing what our President has to say, and how we as a Township and as a community move forward together.”

President Joe Biden is expected to speak on Wednesday, April 28 at 9:00 p.m. To watch the address click here.

Neeliagni K. Thadikonda, 23, Passed Away

PARSIPPANY — Neeliagni K. Thadikonda, 23, passed away suddenly Friday morning, April 23, at his home in the Powder Mill section of Parsippany.

Born in Harrison, Neeli had lived in Parsippany-Troy Hills most of his life.

He was a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree from William Paterson University.

Neeliagni is survived by his parents, Kiran and Suneetha (Sreehari) Thadikonda of Parsippany; and a brother, Prithvi Thadikonda of Massachusetts.

His final resting place is at Rosedale Cemetery & Crematory, 408 Orange Road, Montclair.

SBA Administrator Guzman Announces Application Opening for $28.6 Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund

MORRIS COUNTY — SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will begin registrations on Friday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. EDT and open applications on Monday, May 3, at noon EDT for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted.

“Restaurants are the core of our neighborhoods and propel economic activity on main streets across the nation. They are among the businesses that have been hardest hit and need support to survive this pandemic. We want restaurants to know that help is here,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA has focused on the marketplace realities of our food and beverage businesses in designing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to meet businesses where they are. And we are committed to equity to ensure our smaller and underserved businesses, which have suffered the most, can access this critical relief, recover, and grow more resilient.”

Established under the American Rescue Plan, and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund provides a total of $28.6 billion in direct relief funds to restaurants and other hard-hit food establishments that have experienced economic distress and significant operational losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Funds must be used for allowable expenses by March 11, 2023.

“Recognizing the great urgency to help restaurants keep their doors open – and with a clear mandate from Congress – the SBA worked at a breakneck speed and is excited to launch this program,” said Patrick Kelley, SBA Associate Administrator, Office of Capital Access. “From day one, we engaged with diverse stakeholders in the food industry community to make sure we built and delivered the program equitably, quickly, and efficiently.”

In preparation, the SBA recommends qualifying applicants familiarize themselves with the application process in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient application experience, specifically by:

  • Registering for an account in advance at restaurants.sba.gov starting Friday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. EDT.
  • Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions, and application sample.
  • Preparing the required documentation.
  • Working with a point-of-sale vendor or visiting restaurants.sba.gov to submit an application when the application portal opens. [Note: If an applicant is working with a point-of-sale vendor, they do not need to register beforehand on the site.]
  • Attending a live recorded virtual training webinar.

For the first 21 days that the program is open, the SBA will prioritize funding applications from businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. All eligible applicants are encouraged to submit applications as soon as the portal opens. Following the 21 days, all eligible applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Consistent with the legislation and the intent of Congress, the SBA continues to take steps to ensure the equitable distribution of relief, particularly for the smallest businesses, by creating a $9.5 billion set-aside: $5 billion for applicants with 2019 gross receipts of not more than $500,000; $4 billion is set aside for applicants with 2019 gross receipts from $500,001 to $1,500,000; and $500 million for applicants with 2019 gross receipts, not more than $50,000.

For more information click here or in Spanish by clicking here.

Former Mayor Barberio, Neglia and Orme Kicks Off Campaign

PARSIPPANY — The team of James R. Barberio, Frank Neglia, and Debbie Orme are running as a team for Mayor and Council in this year’s municipal election in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Former Mayor James R. Barberio is running for Mayor. Frank Neglia and Debbie Orme, both current elected School Board representatives, are joining Barberio’s ticket as Town Council candidates. Barberio stated, “I am running for Mayor to provide our residents with honest, competent, and proven leadership for Parsippany’s future.  Having grown up in Parsippany, I love this town and its people too much to subject them to four more years of the current Mayor’s gross mismanagement and incompetence. Raising water rates 39% in one year and then blaming it on me demonstrates that the current Mayor fails to take responsibility for his own actions.  “The fact is we can’t afford four more years of this Mayor.”

Barberio will run on his record of proven financial management. Keeping taxes low, creating a surplus in the Township’s water and sewer utilities, and negotiating strong financial agreements with developers were hallmarks of the Barberio administration. “The current Mayor’s record of raising taxes due to mismanagement and his hiring of political cronies to Township positions is upsetting but his failure to take responsibility is disgraceful.

Barberio will also run on his record of honesty.”People always knew where I stood. Sometimes telling the truth means you must tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. I was always truthful with the people of Parsippany. The same cannot be said about the Mayor. He spent the last election telling the people he was against development, and his administration has spent the last four years approving the largest residential projects in Parsippany’s history. The people see through the current Mayor’s habit of saying one thing and doing another. Frankly, people want honesty, and they want competence. That’s why I’m running and that is why my team and I will win.”

James R. Barberio served as Mayor of the Township of Parsippany for eight years from 2010-2017. Prior to that, he served as a Councilman from 2002–2005 and 2008-2009. Mr. Barberio is a proud product of Parsippany, having graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 1979. He has lived in Parsippany virtually his entire life.   Currently, Mr. Barberio serves as a Township Business Administrator.

Frank Neglia has served Parsippany for decades.  He is currently elected to the Parsippany Board of Education, a position he has held since 2006.   He has served as the President of the Parsippany Board of Education for the past five years.   Mr. Neglia is President of the Par -Troy Little League West for 24 years.  He is a past Rotarian of the year recipient.  He has served as Chairman of the Parsippany Recreation Advisory Committee since 2001.  He is an active member of numerous civic organizations including, a member of St. Christopher’s Parish and Elks Club of Parsippany. Professionally, Mr. Neglia is currently the Director of Operations and Facilities Management for the Connection for Women and Families. Mr. Neglia is a proud product of Parsippany, having graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 1975. Frank and his wife Sandra are blessed with five children and eight grandchildren.   Frank has lived in Parsippany since 1966.

Debbie Orme is a current member of the Parsippany Board of Education, having been three times elected. Debbie Orme is an active and productive member of the Board of Education, playing key roles in transportation policies, championing technology advancements, and serving on the Demographics Committee. Mrs. Orme understands what it takes to balance the need for significant community services with the need to do so at the least possible cost to the taxpayers. Debbie Orme has worked in the property and casualty industry for the past fifteen years, so she understands the importance of assessing risk in making decisions.  Debbie has also been involved in many other community organizations such as local youth sports, animal rescue and as a church service coordinator. Mrs. Orme is a proud product of Parsippany, having graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 1981. Debbie and her husband Joseph are blessed with four children and three grandchildren. Debbie has lived in Parsippany since 1967.

Mayor Barberio stated, “My running mates and I have the experience, integrity, and proven ability to lead Parsippany into the future. We make one solemn pledge – to always do what is right for the Township of Parsippany – Troy Hills.”

Governor Murphy Announces Loosening of COVID-19 Restrictions

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy announced the easing of restrictions for a variety of activities and higher outdoor capacity limits, effective May 10. The changes, which include higher outdoor gathering limits, higher large venue outdoor capacities, higher maximum capacities for private catered events, and more, come as COVID-19 metrics are on the decline and as more New Jerseyans continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

“Our robust COVID-19 vaccination program is starting to show results through lower COVID-19 case metrics including a decline in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations,” said Governor Murphy. “This allows us to take steps so that New Jerseyans can have a much more normal summer including allowing for students to celebrate important milestones and events like graduations and proms in person. We hope to announce further reopening steps in the coming weeks as more and more state residents get vaccinated.”

“The continued cooperation with public health preventive measures and increasing vaccination rates among New Jersey residents allows for this easing of restrictions in the state,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.  “We encourage all residents 16 and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It will not only protect you, but it will help us drive down community spread, so we can reopen the state further.”

The changes include:

Outdoor Gatherings
The outdoor gathering limit will be raised to 500 persons from 200 persons. COVID-19 metrics will continue to be evaluated with the hope of raising the limit again, perhaps considerably, prior to Memorial Day.

Large Venue Outdoor Capacity
Outdoor capacity limits will be raised to 50% capacity for venues with 1,000 fixed seats or more. The current limit is 30% capacity for venues with 2,500 fixed seats or more.  All attendees at these events are required to be six feet apart from other attendees, except that individuals who purchase or reserve tickets together may be seated together, but must be six feet away from all other groups or individuals in all directions.

Maximum Capacity for Indoor Certain Indoor Activities
Capacity limits for indoor private catered events, including proms, will be raised to 50% capacity of the room in which the event is being held with a maximum of 250 individuals. The current limit is 35% capacity of the room in which the event is held with a maximum of 150 individuals.  These events must continue to follow all indoor dining protocols

The limit for political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services, and performances occurring indoors will similarly increase to 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 individuals.  Indoor religious services will continue to operate at 50% capacity, without a numerical cap.

Dance Floors at Indoor Catered Events
Dance floors will be permitted to open at indoor private catered events, including proms with masking and social distancing requirements in place.  Dance floors will remain closed at bars and other related businesses, such as nightclubs.

Graduations and Proms
Schools and universities will be able to utilize the newly-raised outdoor gathering and large venue capacity limits to hold more robust graduation ceremonies.  Proms will benefit from the increases to indoor private catered event capacity and the allowance of dance floors at such events. The Department of Education (DOE) and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) will be issuing guidance to assist schools and institutions in preparing for these end-of-year events.

Carnivals and Fairs
Effective May 10, carnivals and fairs are explicitly permitted to operate at outdoor amusement business capacity limits, which currently stand at 50% capacity.

An Executive Order and guidance will be issued on both day and overnight camp operations on Wednesday, April 28.

Click here to review a copy of DOE Guidance

Click here to download a copy of OSHE Guidance

Adopt: Romeo, and Julietta are Siblings and are a Bonded Pair

PARSIPPANY — Romeo, and Julietta are siblings and are a bonded pair. They were found in the parking lot of Starbucks in October and were trapped and neutered, but we didn’t have the heart to put them back outside for a long cold winter ahead. We decided we would foster them and try and socialize them but I knew I couldn’t keep them. They have been in our heated garage and they are being well taken care of. We know they are ready for a home environment and would love to find them their furever home together. Romeo likes attention and is more outgoing than his sister but she relies on him to feel more comfortable around people. She is very sweet. They have both come a long way since we have had them and are around a year old now.

They love to get treats, play with their toys, and love to sit in the sun and look out the window and watch the world go by.

If you are able and willing to open your heart and your home and take in Romeo and Juliet it is imperative they remain together. One would be lost without the other. Please know that you will need a gentle voice, a gentle touch, and a bit of patience so that Romeo and Juliet can build their trust and love for their new family.

They have comforted each other through thick and thin and have been so grateful not to wonder each day where they will sleep or get their next meal. Once they feel comfortable, they will give you hours of unconditional love. They will show how much they appreciate the opportunity to have a forever family each time you are close to them and you hear them purr!

Thank you for considering adopting this precious pair. If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Click here to follow Wise Animal on Instagram.
Click here to like Wise on Facebook.

DeCroce Asks Governor to Loosen the Reins on Graduation Ceremonies

PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce is urging Gov. Phil Murphy to allow school graduations and proms to resume in June and not to place severe restrictions on the traditional ceremonies.

“Graduating from grammar school or high school is – or attending a prom – is a rite of passage for young people and a way for families to come together and to mark time,” said DeCroce.

“Students and parents have suffered a great deal of social separation in New Jersey in the past year. I think it’s time to lighten up on the restrictions and let families decide how they want to celebrate their children’s graduations and let our children enjoy the proms that will create a lifetime of memories for them.” 

The cases of Covid-19 infection are dropping significantly and the number of people who have received covid vaccines is increasing, noted DeCroce. According to a recently published N.Y. Times report on Covid 19 – reported cases dropped 23 percent overall in the state in the last 14 days. In Morris County, the Covid infection rate is down 34 percent; while cases in Essex County went down 17 percent. Passaic County saw a slight uptick of 5 percent.  Only four counties in the state showed an increase in Covid-19 cases and in most cases the numbers were relatively small – less than 40.

Nearly 7 million vaccination doses have been administered in New Jersey with nearly 3 million people fully vaccinated, which represents a third of the population.

DeCroce said with vaccinations increasing daily, a majority of the state should be fully vaccinated by June.

“I’m not sounding the all-clear signal on the virus, but I believe people have enough information to decide for themselves if they want to attend a graduation ceremony and a prom — provided they take the correct precautions,” says DeCroce. “Let the parents and school board decide what is best for themselves.”

“For more than a year, state officials have been wagging their fingers at people and treating them like children. I believe it is time to treat our citizens like adults,” said DeCroce.

ROI-NJ Recognizes Marketsmith CEO Monica C. Smith as One of N.J.’s Top 50 Women in Business

HANOVER — Marketsmith Inc., the largest independent, full-service marketing agency in New Jersey, announced that its Founder and CEO, Monica C. Smith, has been named one of the “Top 50 Women in Business” (2021) by ROI-NJ.

It has been an impressive year of growth for Marketsmith, one of the fastest-growing women-owned firms in the state. The company has built its reputation and business on its patented analytics software, MarketsmithIQ™, and human ingenuity, giving the agency and its clients the data and analytics to inform the decision-making process.

Some of the firm’s prominent New Jersey clients include The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance – Get Covered N.J., New Jersey’s Official Healthcare Insurance Marketplace, NJ Lottery, PSE&G NJ, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy Program.

“I am honored to be named an ‘ROI Influencer’ for the publication’s ‘Women in Business List,’ which features a group that I am proud to be a part of,” said Smith. “This accolade reflects the hard work and determination of our team and the incredible results we’ve been able to generate for our clients across a number of industries – from energy/utility companies and consumer brands to government agencies.”

Marketsmith uses data to optimize brand communication and deliver greater return on investment (ROI) launching products that grow brands from challenger to champions. Its campaigns rely on MarketsmithIQ’s patented algorithms, which can predict outcomes with 94% accuracy.*

Smith founded Marketsmith in 1999, on the idea that technology and humanity are inextricably linked when it comes to creating successful consumer-centric marketing. She has driven Marketsmith to become one of the largest woman-owned and operated independent media and marketing agencies in the country. She is considered one of the strongest active CEOs in media today – especially in omnichannel media strategy driving retail success.

“Monica is a woman who lifts the people around her, constantly inspiring and challenging each team member to reach their potential and navigate through complex landscapes to deliver for our clients,” said Carina Pologruto, Chief Innovation Officer at Marketsmith. “In 15 years of working together, there has not been a day where she has not made me smarter. It’s truly an honor to work beside her and continue to see her brilliance, tenacity, and heart make our team, community, and state better than they were the day before.”

Amid challenging economic setbacks due to COVID-19, Marketsmith introduced several new services to accommodate work-from-home (WFH) setups – including remote-produced digital video solutions, turnkey direct-response TV campaigns, and other creative services.

Similarly, according to Smith, her leadership style adapted upon the outbreak of the pandemic – focusing more on balancing and managing the demands of her staff’s professional and personal lives. The Marketsmith CEO introduced more agility in the firm’s day-to-day operations – an approach that drove continued professional growth and the hiring of 13 new staffers in the past 12 months.

Smith added: “Marketsmith’s campaigns create the ability to see around corners and provide total prescriptive solutions for the ‘modern human experience.’ We are powered by world-class data science, unmatched talent, and effective, patented offerings.”

Marketsmith’s client roster continues to grow, as the company is working with energy and utility entities throughout the region and country, plus prominent companies like Lovesac, SharkNinja, and Brother International, among others.

Smith holds several industry patents and was also named to ROI-NJ’s Power Technology List in 2021.

For more information about Marketsmith’s campaign management and award-winning solutions click here.

Marketsmith Inc. is one of the largest independent, woman-owned agencies of its kind and is among the nation’s fastest-growing integrated marketing agencies. Headquartered just miles from New York City for over 20 years, the full-service firm offers marketing, media, creative, and data solutions. Marketsmith Inc.’s approach is consultative and collaborative for all of its clients’ needs – these include some of the finest companies and public entities in the Tri-State Area, along with national consumer goods corporations. Marketsmith Inc. has built its reputation and business on its patented analytics software and human ingenuity, giving the agency and its clients the data and analytics to inform every decision from strategy to media to creative. LGBT- and WBENC-certified, the firm “makes challenger brands champions.”

Boys and Girls Invited to Cub Scout Fun Festival

PARSIPPANY — All Parsippany boys and girls who are entering grades K-5 in September are invited to a Cub Scout Fun Festival on Saturday, May 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of St. Ann Church, 781 Smith Road.

This is a free event.  Activities are expected to include: model campsite, backyard bass, archery, bb, balloon popping, stomp rockets, corn hole, and pinewood derby cars. 

Parents will receive information on the Cub Scout pack in their area and be invited to join.  We will be following all social distancing regulations in effect on that date.  Please wear your mask.

Please let us know you are coming by registering here.

For info, contact Al.Thomas@Scouting.org; (973) 765-9322 x229.