Rosemary Becchi Relaunches Jersey 1st

PARSIPPANY — Tax Policy lawyer and advocate Rosemary Becchi relaunched her non-profit advocacy organization Jersey 1st this week, with the goal of creating a voice for New Jerseyans. “I met a lot of hard-working New Jerseyans in the past year and they simply want a voice in our government” explained Becchi Founder of Jersey 1st.

“I talked to business owners, college students, moms, dads, veterans, members of the disabled community, and those who serve in law enforcement. They are all deflated right now- they feel that they have not been heard in Trenton or in Washington DC. The goal of Jersey 1st is to bring people together to advocate for better business policies, lower taxes, in-school learning, support of our law enforcement, and protection of our everyday freedoms. Our Jersey 1st team is rolling up their sleeves and ready to get to work on these issues.”

At the heart of Jersey 1st is its NextGen interns from throughout New Jersey who is dedicated to making a difference. These Jersey 1st interns are working to balance their new internships with their coursework from Seton Hall University, Ramapo College, Rutgers University, Rowan University, University of Michigan, Providence College, James Caldwell High School, Kushner Academy, and Newark Academy. They all share a vision of a new era of activism in New Jersey, with different dialogue. Weekly zoom meetings are centered around policy discussion and brainstorming about ways to promote their views and a new vision of open and non-judgmental dialogue about difficult issues. At the top of their minds right now, is the current remote learning models.

“Too many decisions are being made based on politics and not on science,” said Becchi. “It’s time to open our schools and get our economy going again. New Jerseyans need a voice— a voice to advocate for small businesses, for members of our disabled community, for our children who are suffering by not being able to attend school in person.”

The current economic and political climates present an extraordinary opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of millions of New Jerseyans who feel overtaxed, overregulated, and underrepresented. Jersey 1st recognizes the pivotal timing and the opportunity to effect change in New Jersey and will do so through a grassroots organization, targeted fundraising, effective policy advocacy, and the implementation of a multi-media campaign including a weekly Facebook Live segment on the Jersey 1st Facebook page on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

“It’s time to change the narrative of politics today and confront the destructive, hateful cancel culture that does more to divide than unifying. Our problems here in New Jersey are hard – and we need to work together to solve them” said Becchi. “It’s time to put the needs of New Jersey families and businesses first so that the next generation can afford to live in their home state and raise their children here. At the end of the day- that’s our motivation.”

Planning Board to Meet on Monday, March 8

PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board will hold a meeting on Monday, March 8 starting at 7:30 p.m.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here to access the meeting.

The approved Complex “The Morrison” Sold Prior to being Constructed

PARSIPPANY — Accurate Builders and Developers has acquired a site on Cherry Hill Road that is fully approved for the construction of 325 upscale apartments, in a transaction handled by Cushman & Wakefield. The property is located at 100 and 120 Cherry Hill Road and Upper Pond Road and designated as Block 136, Lots 44, and 76 on the Tax Map of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Plans call for a two-building multifamily project known as The Morrison, with 65 units designated to serve low- and moderate-income renters. This is the former site of BASF, which was demolished about 15-20 years ago. BASF was a 120,000 square foot office building. There was also a prior approval for a 345,000 square foot office building, which was never constructed.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board approved on January 6, 2020, to construct two five-story, 56,363-square foot apartment buildings. The buildings would hold a combined total of 325 dwelling units, with 162 dwelling units in one building and 163 in the other building. Twenty percent of the total units would serve as affordable housing.

They also approved the developer to install 608 parking spaces (with an additional 31 spaces to be banked). Of those 608 parking spaces, 268 would be indoors, on the first floor of the two buildings, and the remaining 340 spaces would be uncovered, surface parking.

C&W said each building is designed to provide four levels of residential units over ground-level parking. The site is in the vicinity of parks, lakes, and golf courses, along with retail and grocery stores, and is 10 minutes from downtown Morristown.

The Property is located in the Affordable Housing District 7 zone.

Plans To Open Tommy’s Tavern + Tap In Parsippany is Underway

PARSIPPANY — Plans to open the newest Tommy’s Tavern + Tap location in Parsippany are underway. This would be the first location in Morris County. April 1 is the anticipated opening date.

The restaurant took over the former Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar at 1900 Route 10 at Littleton Road, Parsippany.

At a recent Planning Board meeting, Tommy’s Tavern was approved to construct additional outdoor seating along Littleton Road. This will increase their outdoor seating from 46 to 114 for an additional 68 seats. The new outdoor area consists of  1,428 square feet and only be accessible from the interior of the building.

Tommy’s Tavern was approved to construct additional outdoor seating along Littleton Road

Tommy’s Tavern + Tap offers a variety of menu options including pizza, burgers, sushi, poke bowls along with beer, wine, and specialty drinks.

Other Tommy’s locations can be found in Freehold, Sea Bright, Princeton, Clifton, and Staten Island. They are also planning a location in Bridgewater and Edison.

To apply for a position click here.

 

Former GlaxoSmithKline to be Developed into Assisted Living Facility

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board will hear an application submitted by Parsippany Littleton, LLC. (Application No. 20:529) on Monday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. to  construct an inclusionary residential complex consisting of approximately 250 age-restricted multifamily units.

The property located at 1500 Littleton Road, the former Glaxosmithkline building and designated as Block 181, Lot 19 on the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills tax maps.

The Property is currently located in the ROL (Research, Office, and Laboratory) Zone District and the OVL-6 Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning District.

This Application seeks preliminary and final major site plan and variance approvals for the Property to construct an inclusionary residential complex consisting of approximately 250 age-restricted multifamily units (in a total of three buildings).

Parsippany Littleton, LLC., seeks preliminary approval only for an assisted living facility consisting of 120 units (in a single building). The site plan also contains associated site amenities and improvements, on the Property.

The Applicant requires the following variance from the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Code (“Code”) for the Application: a variance from Code Section 430-345 to permit the disturbance of 36.1% of areas with 20%-24.99% slopes (where a maximum disturbance of 25% is otherwise permitted) and to permit the disturbance of 35.3% of areas with slopes greater than 25% (where a maximum disturbance of 15% is otherwise permitted). The Property also has certain pre-existing non-conformities which shall remain as part of this Application, including maximum driveway width and minimum side yard buffer. In connection with the Application, they are requesting a major soil movement permit in accordance with the Code requirements.

The meeting will be held virtually can be accessed by the public by clicking here.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board – February 22, 2021

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board – February 22, 2021.

Click here to download the agenda. – Minor Subdivision

Click here to download the agenda.

Election Information Regarding Petitions

PARSIPPANY — This year we have a gubernatorial election as well as Mayoral, Council, and County Committee elections for Democratic and Republican parties in the Township of Parsippany- Troy Hills.  With the upcoming election around the corner, I want to share some information that may be helpful for individuals intending on running for office in the Township of Parsippany- Troy Hills.

All potential candidates will be required to file a petition which must be properly completed and signed by the applicant. To qualify, each petition will require a specific number of signatures in support of the candidate based on the position sought. Mayor or Council candidates require 50 signatures. The number of signatures required for County Committee candidates’ will vary depending on the District you will be running in. To find the number of required signatures, you can visit the County Clerk’s Office website by clicking here, or you can contact the Municipal Clerk’s office.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, petitions may be circulated electronically or in-person.  To obtain information on how to circulate and file a petition electronically by clicking here. Mayoral or Council Candidates running together may submit one petition with the required 50 signatures for all the candidates; it is not necessary for each candidate to submit a separate petition.  It is important to note that individuals cannot sign more than one petition in support of a candidate that is running for office and doing so will invalidate that signature.

Finally, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:23-14, all petitions must be filed with the Municipal Clerk no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 5, 2021.

Interview with Parsippany Football Club Player: Jonathan Aguirre

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Football Club Profiles: This week’s spotlight is on another Parsippany Local and Parsippany Hills Alumni: Jonathan Aguirre.

Jonathan Aguirre

1. What High School did you attend?

A. I attended Parsippany Hills High School and graduated with the Class of 2019

2. What College did you play for?

A. I played at the County College of Morris (CCM)

3. For what youth clubs did you play for?

A. I played for the Parsippany Soccer Club pretty much my whole childhood life and all throughout high school.

4. What adult/pro clubs have you played for?

A. The Parsippany Football Club!

5. Most memorable moment as a player?

A. My Senior night against our cross-town rival Parsippany High School, we won 1-0!

6. Your favorite player(s) growing up?

A. Íker Casillas and Guillermo Ochoa.

7. What do you consider your hometown?

A. Parsippany, New Jersey.

8. What National team would you play for if/when given the opportunity?

A. The Mexican National Team

9. One thing you would tell your younger self?

A. Keep on Working Hard, and do NOT worry about what other people think of you, ever.

10. Your favorite team to follow?

A. FC Barcelona

11. Position and favorite number?

A. Goalkeeper and #31 because of my favorite player Ederson Moraes

Jonathan came on board as one of the youngest players on this entire team and has always done what was needed to get the job done. Humble, respectful, and most importantly hard working. We saw a reflection of that during our game vs NJFC with 2/3 key saves which helped us maintain the 2-2 score until the final whistle. We look forward to his contribution for the second half of the season alongside his co-Goalkeepers.


The Parsippany Football Club, and Parsippany Soccer – one of America’s most impactful soccer communities. Established in 2020 during one of the most devastating times in world history, PFC was born out of hope to bring back the spirit of ‘The Beautiful Game’ to the community and its people that dates all the way back to the 1970s. This is more than a Club, more than a Game. To find out more about PFC visit our website www.parsippanyfootballclub.com …and as always and forever, Keep on Kicking.

Dunn Bill Designating March 9 as COVID-19 Heroes Day Goes to The Governor

MORRIS COUNTY — In recognition of New Jersey’s essential employees who have provided necessary services during the worst public health crisis in modern history, the Assembly approved Assemblywoman Aura Dunn’s resolution designating March 9 as Covid-19 Heroes Day.
“We couldn’t have survived this past year if it weren’t for the selflessness of health care workers, postal employees, first responders, bus drivers, grocery store clerks, and so many more essential employees,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “They risked their own lives and safety to ensure that all New Jersey residents had their needs met during the Covid-19 pandemic. This day will give us all a moment to pause and reflect on what ‘essential’ really means and thank these heroes who put the needs of others above their own during this time in our state’s history.”
March 9 is the day Gov. Phil Murphy first declared a state of emergency in response to the public health crisis caused by the coronavirus. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, businesses shut down and people abided by stay-at-home orders, while essential employees were called upon to keep the citizens of New Jersey safe and healthy.
“Frontline workers helped us navigate these uncertain times while making sure our children were cared for, our loved ones received medical care, our prescriptions were filled, our pantries were full and we had someone to call in the event of an emergency,” said Dunn. “We owe them a debt of gratitude. This day will help us all remember the courage of our fellow New Jerseyans.”
The joint resolution between the Assembly and Senate (AJR166/SJR82) passed both houses unanimously.

Kutztown University’s Meghan Wald Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

PARSIPPANY — Kutztown University inducted 36 students into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at the induction ceremony held Tuesday, February 23, 2021, including Meghan Wald. Meghan is a 2017 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School.

Phi Kappa Phi is an honor society established in 1897 to recognize and encourage superior scholarship without restriction as to the area of study.

About Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

Founded in 1866, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education located on 289 acres nestled in the beautiful East Penn Valley in Berks County, between Reading and Allentown, Pennsylvania. KU is just two hours from New York City; 90 minutes from Philadelphia.

As the region’s center for excellence in academics, culture, and public engagement, KU’s programs and reputation for quality offer students the opportunity to discover lifelong avenues of learning and discovery. KU students select from more than 100 areas of study within four colleges in a diverse liberal arts academic environment. To complement their studies, KU’s NCAA Division II athletics program with 21 varsity sports joins more than 160 student clubs and organizations providing students with a variety of activities for learning and discovery.

For more information click here.

 

Applebee’s Donates $12,075 to Toys for Tots

MORRIS COUNTY  — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar representatives present a check for $12,075.31 to David Fox, sergeant, United States Marine Corps Reserve, and Nick D’Andrea, chief warrant officer 4, Toys for Tots Coordinator, on Wednesday, February 24.

The funds were raised during Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar’s 22nd annual fundraising campaign in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to as many underprivileged children as possible to provide a tangible sign of hope during the Christmas season.

This year, Applebee’s also introduced its own “Tots for Tots” program, offering guests an additional way to donate by adding tater tots to any order for just $3, with each sale going directly to the organization. Since its inception, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises have raised $4.9 million through its Toys for Tots fundraising campaign to benefit local communities in Florida, Georgia, Long Island, and New Jersey. In just 2020 alone, Toys for Tots distributed 20.2 million toys to 7.4 million children.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy Hills Celebrates Read Across America Day

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills joined the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) to participate in “Read Across America Day’ this week.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy members Janice Carrubba, Cathy Haney, WCPTH Education Chairman Betty Lagitch, Parsippany Librarian Rose Schulman, WCPTH members Marilyn Zarzycki, Lois Preis White and Mary Ann Coyne

Due to COVID-19, restrictions our club members were unable to read to the children this year. Betty Lagitch, Club Education Chairman, and her committee worked with the Parsippany Library, Morris County Head Start, and the Parsippany Child Day Care Center to come up with another way for the children to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday this year. A donation was made to each organization to purchase a craft for the children to enjoy making. Although our members will miss reading to the children this year we hope they will have fun until we can visit again – hopefully, next 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.  Due to COVID-19, General Meetings are being held via Zoom the fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 p.m. until further notice. 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. Check us out on the web by clicking here or follow the club on FACEBOOK.

WCPTH club member Marilyn Zarzycki, Morris County Head Start Director Amy Tousley, is presented with a donation from WCPTH Education Chairman Betty Lagitch.

Update on Investigation into Discovery of Two Bodies in Boonton Pond

BOONTON — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Town of Boonton Captain Stephen Jones, and Town of Boonton Public Safety Director Daniel DeGroot announce the following update on an investigation into the discovery of two bodies in a pond on February 23, 2021.

On February 23, 2021, the following individuals were located deceased in a pond in the Upper Pond section of Grace Lord Park in Boonton – Warda Syed, female, 35; and Uzair Ahmed, male, 11.

The Morris County Medical Examiner has determined the manner of death for both individuals to be accidental. There is no cause to believe there was any criminal activity involved in either individual’s death. Out of respect and consideration for the family of the deceased, there will be no further comment on the circumstances of the incident.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit investigated this incident jointly with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Boonton Police Department Detective Bureau, and with the assistance of the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Letter to the Editor: Overall Congestion will Exponentially Worsen Due to the Overdevelopment

parsippany focusDear Editor:

There is something seriously wrong taking place in the Township of Parsippany, and our current local “leaders” are allowing it to happen. Parsippany is seeing a flood of development that will adversely impact the qualities of our community for which many of its residents were attracted to move here, and why many others have grown up and chosen to remain in the town they have loved for many decades.

The Township’s residents have chosen to make Parsippany their home because of its core values of family, community, and taking care of one another, as well as the beauty and serenity of the area. It’s those values and the peacefulness of Parsippany that once made it one of the best places to live in the United States.

During pre-COVID, traffic was already bad, and post-COVID, it could get even worse. Do you think Route 202 already resembled a slow-moving parade or that Route 10 has virtually become a parking lot during the morning and afternoon rush hours? How about just getting to your local stores? And if you think the supermarkets are already crowded enough unless you’re shopping sometime around 11:00 p.m., get ready for a lot more late-night shopping.

For no good reason, our local government officials, along with the Planning and Zoning boards, are allowing developers to exploit Parsippany and its residents. Thanks to those officials, the overall congestion will exponentially worsen due to the overdevelopment that is already in place, and both our home values and our quality of life are going to suffer. Proposed projects, including those on Cherry Hill Road, Route 10, and behind Saint Christopher’s Church, will markedly alter Parsippany from the community its residents have loved for many years.

In addition, the town has welcomed outside developers who, in various locations, want to knock down a single-family home and build five or six multi-family units within existing single-family neighborhoods.

I have attended zoning board hearings in which a majority of the board dismiss environmental impact claims, ignore issues like traffic impact and water runoff, and instead ask questions about the bedroom size of a rental unit and the storage capacity of a utility closet, seemingly more interested in looking out for some unknown, future renter than the existing township residents they supposedly represent.

What can we do? We need to attend these hearings, make our voices heard, and make clear to our leaders and board members that this overdevelopment is unacceptable. Neither our local government nor the Planning and Zoning boards are looking out for our interests, the residents of this township, so we need to take action and put a halt to the proposed developments that will clog up our roads, overwhelm our schools, increase overall congestion, and transform the Parsippany we all love into an urban district while also decreasing our home values.

This is our town and our government leaders need to be held accountable for their decisions. They need to start making decisions that are aligned with residents’ values and best interests. If we don’t start making our voices heard, demanding that they take us seriously, and start addressing our needs, we might as well start looking for someplace else to live, because the Parsippany as we know it will never be the same.

Name Withheld By Request
Parsippany

Letter to the Editor: Soriano, Herbig, Hernandez: Public Trust In Community Not Party

parsippany focusDear Editor:

On a local level, we must choose the community invested in the party and candidates that truly have the community in mind. Michael Soriano’s administration has clearly demonstrated this for example; Parsippany is now in the process of Regional Conformance under the NJ Highlands Water Protection and Land Use Act. The Mayor has brought out from the community a Green Team of highly qualified and talented citizens of Parsippany to assist and guide us into an environmentally improved, sustainable, responsible, and cost-effective future. These two main hopeful accomplishments show a sense of community where it’s possible for an economy to serve the people and curtail over-development.

Parsippany has been a victim of republican political fiascos from Forge Pond to Waterview that betrayed community, destroyed or degraded sensitive landscapes, injuring our aquifer water sources, and neighborhood character, and a sense of home in favor of unneeded, unwanted corporate developments. Public Housing was also used as a threat to aid these proposals. Council members during these times performed no due diligence in these matters; ones that did were ignored. Developers were given carte blanche by our former attorney; a developer’s lawyer.

The Waterview promise of open space betrayed after promising Hundreds of citizens that no rezoning was to be after a hard-fought grassroots effort should never be forgotten. A Certain other quid pro quo involving Forge Pond a promised 130-acre wetland, protected by the 1987 Wetlands Protection Act; was used as an exchange for 700 Mountain Way, another sensitive landscape, of steep slopes, trees, adjacent wetlands, and a known groundwater recharge area, allowed to be developed with a few affordable units as a ploy. All during this time, the COAH housing issue was suspended; no need to develop anything, until this responsibility was known, should have been the position of the town.

One official stands out during that time that ran for council opposing Waterview only to change his position when elected; this trashing of the public trust, saying one thing and doing another now wishes to be Mayor?

Parsippany Focus Oct. 2015: During the simultaneous Waterview/Forge Pond fiascos. “I thought the town was in the process of acquiring this land for open space. This tract of land was a bonus for the town, to prevent over-development, which puts a strain on the Township, this issue has to be discussed in great detail, at the next council meeting”.

One must ask what happened to cause such a sudden change of mind? Mr. Valori ran for council on his promise or premise of supporting the citizens against the Waterview rezone, only to change and become hand in glove with the developer, under the guiding light of the then John Inglesino. This betrayal costs Parsippany taxpayers over $7M dollars for a buffer zone called open space, which should have been zoned as a ‘non-structural stormwater component to the project. The Rutgers Troy Brook Stormwater study was already in place but ignored in favor of the RD developers at the determent of the community, and possible ethical or criminal acts, not looked into under the then Christie Administration and his close friend at the time Attorney Inglesino.(How much money did Inglesino make off Parsippany?)

Finally, with Highlands Experts in land-use science and a Green Team, we will not be rudderless and abused by those who do not hold the public trust, but self-serving opportunity in the interest of their partisan political paymasters. A vote for Soriano, Hernandez, and Herbig is a vote in the best interest of all.

Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha

Auto Theft Task Force Arrests Suspect in Auto Burglary Spree

BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Morris County Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker, Boonton Township Police Chief Michael Danyo, Chester Police Chief Thomas Williver, Kinnelon Police Chief Joseph Napoletano, and Rockaway Township Police Chief Martin McParland announce the arrest of an individual suspected in motor vehicle burglaries in several Morris County municipalities.

This arrest stems from the joint efforts of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit, the Boonton Township Police Department, the Chester Police Department, the Kinnelon Police Department, and the Rockaway Township Police Department; in conjunction with other multiple law enforcement agencies from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, whose combined efforts identified an individual who had committed numerous burglaries and thefts in the tri-state area.

Patrick Ryan, 31, of Fairfield, Connecticut, was arrested in the early morning hours of January 24, 2021, in Rockaway Township. At the time of his arrest, Ryan was found in possession of stolen proceeds and is implicated in several motor vehicle burglaries and attempted burglaries in Rockaway Township over the weekend of January 23 and January 24.

Patrick Ryan was charged with the following:

  • Thirteen counts of third-degree burglary to a motor vehicle;
  • Seven counts of third-degree attempted burglary to a motor vehicle;
  • One count of third-degree theft from a motor vehicle;
  • One count of third-degree theft;
  • Four counts of fourth-degree theft;
  • One count of fourth-degree theft from a motor vehicle;
  • One count of disorderly person offense theft;
  • Four counts of disorderly person offense theft from a motor vehicle;
  • Two counts of disorderly persons offense criminal mischief.

Ryan is currently in the custody of the Morris County Correctional Facility, in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform.

Ryan has also been charged with related offenses in Sussex County, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Acting Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll thanks the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey State Police, Boonton Township Police Department, Chester Police Department, Kinnelon Police Department, and Rockaway Township Police Department for devoting resources and personnel to this investigation.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Town-Wide Ice Water Rescue Drill on Rainbow Lake

PARSIPPANY — Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District 2, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit, Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6 performed an ice water rescue exercise on Sunday, February 21 on Rainbow Lakes. Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance and Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance were also at the scene.

The all-volunteer squad went onto the frozen lake to practice saving victims from falling through the ice.

Dunn Legislation Giving Small Towns More Flexibility in Hiring Emergency Management Coordinators Goes to Governor’s Desk

MORRIS COUNTY — By a unanimous vote, the Assembly passed legislation, sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, to allow municipalities with a population under 5,000 to hire nonresident emergency management coordinators.

“Some small towns may not be able to fill the role with a qualified candidate from within their municipal borders,’ said Dunn, who represents seven towns with fewer than 5,000 residents in the 25th Legislative District, which includes 21 towns in Morris and Somerset counties.

“The person must have the experience and knowledge to protect the safety, health, and resources of the residents and town,” continued Dunn. “They need to understand all the applicable laws, work well with emergency responders and effectively respond to disasters. It’s a tall order.”

Under current New Jersey law, municipal emergency management coordinators must be municipal residents unless the municipality participates in a shared service agreement. Dunn’s bill (A1057) allows coordinators to be hired from other municipalities provided the town has fewer than 5,000 people and the applicant lives within the same county.

“State law needs to be more flexible so we can ensure municipalities can hire someone with the right skills to fill a critical role,” explained Dunn. “Just like the current pandemic we are experiencing; an unexpected disaster could strike at any time. We can prepare by having the right people in the right place at the right time.”

Municipal emergency management coordinators are responsible for planning, activating, and coordinating emergency operations within the municipality. They proclaim states of local disaster emergencies and work with municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, as well local police, fire, and rescue squads.

The Senate passed a companion bill (S551) in November. It now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Former Parsippany BOE Member Gary Martin to Run for Council

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany resident and former Parsippany Board of Education Member Gary Martin has joined Team Valori in his effort to seek the Republican nomination for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council. Martin teams up with Lou Valori and Justin Musella who look to be the Republican nominees this June for Parsippany Mayor and Township Council respectively.

“Gary is an unshakable defender of residents and has demonstrated his loyalty to the township through his many years on the township school board,” said Republican Mayoral candidate Lou Valori.  “Gary’s candidacy and professional experience greatly strengthen our ticket heading into June’s primary.”

Martin is a forty-four-year Parsippany resident and a retired Montville Police Captain who served on the township school board for three years.  He is married and a father of a son.

“Better days are in store for Parsippany, and I plan on doing my part to help all residents and businesses regain the pride they once felt in this township. I am thrilled to be on Lou Valori’s ticket since he is a proven leader and crusader for the taxpayer. The taxpayer needs champions more than ever given the current and anticipated fiscal and operational challenges at Town Hall,” said Musella. “Revitalizing Lake Hiawatha, cleaning up our township, and ensuring respect for and efficiency with every taxpayer dollar will be key.”

“I am passionate about serving my community and my neighbors however possible.  I am excited to join Lou Valori and Justin Musella in providing Parsippany residents with a dedicated team strictly focused on making Parsippany a great and affordable place to live again,” said Martin.  “The safety of neighborhoods is under attack, community services are diminishing, housing is unaffordable with skyrocketing taxes and fees, and local government is bloated under Michael Soriano’s administration. The values of Team Valori will reverse Soriano’s destructive course.”

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Partners With Parsippany PAL

PARSIPPANY — The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is excited to announce the creation of a new partnership with the Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) and is bringing the Y to Parsippany beginning with two new programs.

The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is a community organization focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Parsippany PAL maintains these same tenets, which makes this partnership a truly outstanding one.

“We are pleased and looking forward to our partnership with the Parsippany PAL and bringing vital enrichment programs to children in Parsippany and supporting families during these unprecedented times,” said YMCA CEO Alex Martinez.

Since last fall, as the Pandemic impacted the 2020-2021 school year, the Y has hosted “e-camp & care”, its remote learning assistance program for school-age children. It is now taking that program “on the road”. The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, in partnership with the Parsippany PAL, is offering childcare for students from Parsippany at the PAL who are remote learning in a hybrid or fully virtual format. This program allows the students to maintain a classroom-like environment during school hours with some social & physical activities in the afternoons.

This all-day program aids in supervised schoolwork with remote learning support as needed. There is also an opportunity for fun academic activities (i.e., math games and worksheets as well as literacy puzzles) for class breaks as well as quiet alternative activities including STEM, Themed Crafts, Legos, etc. The afternoon activities are designed to support your child so you can have peace of mind knowing your child is in a safe, engaging, and structured environment that will set them up for success both in and out of the classroom. Group spaces will be socially distant and face coverings are required. Dates and pricing are available on request and financial assistance is available. Details are online by clicking here.

Please email Shannon Bujoreanu at shannonb@lhymca.com or call Shannon at (973) 507-7037 for more information.

Sam Yodice, Executive Director of the Parsippany Police Athletic League said, “This emerging partnership between the YMCA and the Parsippany PAL is a win for the YMCA, a win for the PAL, and a win for the entire community. The announcement of the expanded E-Camp & Care program will provide both organizations the ability to help, in a very hands-on way, with the serious problem of parents struggling in today’s virtual learning (COVID-19) model. We believe that the expertise of the instructional staff at the YMCA combined with the facility offerings of the Parsippany PAL will make a real difference from now through June. We are honored to take part in the E-Camp & Care Program and being a positive influence in the lives of young people in our community.”

The second program the Y is bringing to the Parsippany PAL is an engaging and invigorating fitness program entitled, Enhance Fitness®. This innovative approach to fitness is for individuals who have arthritis or simply want to improve their overall fitness. It combines three fitness programs into one class. Some of the unique benefits to Enhance Fitness® include lower blood pressure and cholesterol; improved sleep quality; the building of muscular strength and endurance; improve arthritic joint stiffness and maintain or lose weight. One of the best benefits of all is stress relief and the chance to make some new friends! Classes are scheduled to begin this spring and will meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for 16 weeks for just $6.00 per class! Please email Darlene Kievit at darlenek@lhymca.com or call Darlene at (973) 507-7026 for more information.

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA CEO Alex Martinez added, “Working with Sam (Yodice) and his team on a shared vision of programs for active older adults is so important after many have had to limit their social and physical activities. We are committed to helping seniors recover from the Pandemic through our partnership with the PAL.”

As always, no other organization can impact as many, as powerfully, as the Y does every day.

For more information on any of the partnered programs with the Parsippany Police Athletic League or the Y in general, please email the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Rosemary Linder Day, at RosemaryL@Lhymca.com.