CCM Invites Public to Virtual Haunted House Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Invites Public to Virtual Haunted House Halloween Scavenger Hunt

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) invites the public to participate in a spooky, thrill-filled virtual scavenger hunt. Space is limited for the Virtual Haunted House Halloween Scavenger Hunt that takes place on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m.

Reserve a spot, gather a team and the family together to explore the many spooktacular places by emailing cmcardle@ccm.edu. An email with the ZOOM link will be sent on the evening of the terrifying event.

During the scavenger hunt, participants will visit Philadelphia’s creepy Eastern Penitentiary, discover the New York City home of Mark Twain, check into the Hollywood Hotel where celebrity ghosts haven’t checked out. Participants will also learn the chilling fate of Giles Corey at the Salem Witch Trial Memorial and sneak into the White House in search of the presidents whose ghosts have been spotted there. Beware of what’s around the corner!

To learn more about events offered at CCM both virtually and on campus click here.

Par-Troy Council of PTA’s Candidates Night

Frank L. Cahill
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Par-Troy Council of PTA’s Candidates Night

PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy Council of PTA’s Candidates Night

 

  1. Matthew DeVitto
  2. Deborah Orme
  3. Timothy P. Berrios
  4. John E. Titus, III
  5. Aisha Mahmood
  6. Nilesh Bagdai

CCM Professor’s Research to Assist with Finding Drugs to Combat COVID-19

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM Professor’s Research to Assist with Finding Drugs to Combat COVID-19

MORRIS COUNTY — Professor Brian Olson, of the Department of Biology and Chemistry at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, has had his research on COVID-19 published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design to assist with the development of drugs to combat the virus.

Olson, the lead author on the paper, worked with Dr. Tom Kurtzman of Lehman College in Bronx, N.Y. to put together a team of researchers this past March when he realized how extensive the COVID-19 pandemic would become. In the paper, An Online Repository of Solvation Thermodynamic and Structural Maps of SARS-CoV-2 Targets, the researchers provide maps of water molecules on the virus’ proteins that also are known as solvation maps.

Photo of Professor Brian Olson

CCM Professor Brian Olson, whose research is helping combat COVID-19

Olson explains that knowing which water molecules need to be displaced, and which do not, provides essential information to guide the development of drugs to treat COVID-19. The first step toward determining that is mapping where the water molecules are located on the proteins.

In March, Olson, who had been tracking the coronavirus on several databases, was certain COVID-19 would turn into a pandemic.

“We were seeing clusters on multiple continents and were unable to trace the sources of infection. It was clear this was going to be an immediate and international public health issue,” he said. “That compelled me to do something.”

Utilizing the computational tool, GIST, developed by Kurtzman, the researchers worked from their homes during the pandemic. Prior to being published in the Journal of Computer-Aided Molecular Design, the research was posted by the team on Chemrxiv, a free web-based archive service, so it could be accessed early by other scientists and researchers while the peer-review process was taking place.

Now that solvation maps of the COVID-19 virus are available, Olson and his team plan to use that information to search for new drugs.Making the information public and free also will aid others in their

Graphic of a COVID-19 Protein

COVID-19 Protein

search for new and effective pharmaceuticals to defeat the coronavirus. According to Altmetric’s Attention Score, which measures the online attention and activity of research papers, the work conducted by the Olson team ranks in the top 25 percent.

Given that ranking, based on more than 2,200 views and over 300 downloads of the paper, Olson is encouraged about the development of drugs to fight the coronavirus.

“I have never seen the international scientific community come together the way it has now to find some answers,” says Olson. “There is international collaboration and the sharing of information that previously would not have been shared.”

Olson, who teaches forensic science at CCM, joined the college’s faculty in 2018. At CCM, he and several other professors, developed the college’s first virtual reality class to teach students forensic science skills by analyzing murder scenes. Along with his work on the coronavirus, he is researching the development of pain killers to replace opiates.

Olson earned his associate degree in science from the Borough of Manhattan Community College, his bachelor’s in biochemistry from Hunter College, his master’s in biochemistry from the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, and is working on his doctorate in biochemistry from CUNY Graduate Center.

He is a strong advocate for community colleges, and CCM in particular.

“Community colleges place a high value on quality teaching,” he said. “I am so fortunate. I have fun researching tiny molecules and on top of that I get paid to talk to students about narcotics, murders and other fascinating topics. I can’t imagine having a better job.”

Parsippany to Receive $686,649 from $8.4 Million in COVID19 Emergency Relief Funds

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany to Receive $686,649 from $8.4 Million in COVID19 Emergency Relief Funds

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County and its 39 towns will share $8,415,816 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding out of $60 Million released by Governor Phil Murphy today for severely impacted county and local governments not qualified to receive direct federal aid. Parsippany-Troy Hills will receive $686,649.

Morris County SealMorris County will receive $2.3 million while $6.1 million is being shared among the municipalities. The funding is intended to help the towns deal with unexpected costs caused by the pandemic, including increased costs in health benefits, health and human services, public safety, overtime, equipment, and supply expenditures.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services also is providing up to $10 million to support the state’s County Boards of Social Services with COVID19-related expenses such as technology to adapt to remote work requirements, meeting the growing demand for services, and supplies and materials to meet COVID19 health and safety standards.

Qualifying expenditures for the municipal funding include public safety and health-related expenses, COVID19-related overtime, increased residential and health-related garbage collection and services, remote working technology, signage, and information technology related to the COVID19 response and recovery, and public health-related retrofit expenses for reopening.

The Governor said the allocation formula to determine the amounts provided used a variety of relevant metrics, including the municipal COVID19 infection rate, fiscal stress, the Municipal Revitalization Index (MRI), population, and public safety and health and human services expenditures share of the budget to determine the amount of funds counties and municipalities receive.

Funds awarded may not be used for government revenue replacement, including the provision of assistance to meet tax obligations.  Eligible expenditures must be incurred during the covered period between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2020.

A breakdown on the amounts provided to Morris County and each town in the county is below:

Boonton Town Morris $118,288
Boonton Township Morris $57,333
Butler Borough Morris $96,097
Chatham Borough Morris $92,289
Chatham Township Morris $107,457
Chester Borough Morris $19,535
Chester Township Morris $74,231
Denville Township Morris $189,791
Dover Town Morris $334,939
East Hanover Township Morris $145,011
Florham Park Borough Morris $137,460
Hanover Township Morris $163,531
Harding Township Morris $34,602
Jefferson Township Morris $271,494
Kinnelon Borough Morris $104,972
Lincoln Park Borough Morris $143,870
Madison Borough Morris $198,036
Mendham Borough Morris $55,294
Mendham Township Morris $57,672
Mine Hill Township Morris $43,911
Montville Township Morris $238,883
Morris Township Morris $251,522
Morris Plains Borough Morris $71,609
Morristown Town Morris $298,334
Mountain Lakes Borough Morris $42,651
Mount Arlington Borough Morris $68,644
Mount Olive Township Morris $371,865
Netcong Borough Morris $48,358
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Morris $686,649
Long Hill Township Morris $96,558
Pequannock Township Morris $191,882
Randolph Township Morris $267,893
Riverdale Borough Morris $52,116
Rockaway Borough Morris $83,645
Rockaway Township Morris $294,345
Roxbury Township Morris $282,237
Victory Gardens Borough Morris $23,304
Washington Township Morris $205,311
Wharton Borough Morris $96,324
Total (Municipal) $6,117,943
County of Morris $2,297,873
GRAND TOTAL $8,415,816

For a complete list of how the $60 million was divided among all 21 New Jersey counties and their municipalities click here.

 

Letter to the Editor: Public Officials Should Never Tell You Who to Vote For

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

“I think you are starting to see a lot of what has preserved U.S. democracy is decorum, not necessarily strong institutions, just good behavior.”  This was said by Ory Okolloh-Mwangi,  a Kenyan political commentator and investment professional who is one of several international election observers to express concern about the volatile political environment leading up to the U.S. presidential election. This is the way the world looks at America now.

As you can guess, this letter is in response to the letter recently printed supporting republican candidates. Given the desperation that republicans are feeling as November approaches, I can understand how panic and duress can make them do things out of the ordinary. But public officials should never tell you who to vote for.

I am not going to waste anyone’s time reiterating all the issues. We all know them and as educated voters, if you don’t you should be researching them. Know your candidate and what they stand for.  Do not listen to what other people tell you about voting records and especially do not let someone else tell YOU who to vote for.  That is not what the democratic process of this country is about. Government “Of the people, by the people, and for the people” means just that. YOU are the people.

You do not have to be a political scholar to know who to vote for. Simply look at where they come from. The democratic candidate, Mikie Sherrill, has earned her seat in Congress through hard work and dedication. She is a Naval Academy graduate, served in our armed forces, worked on Russian policy, has a law degree, holds a master’s degree in Global History, serves on the house Armed Services Committee and the Congressional Science, Space and Technology Committee where she also chairs the Environmental Sub-committee.  She currently sits in Congress representing the 11th District, which includes Parsippany, and has a reputation of listening to and supporting not only her constituents but also all of America as issues of great importance come before her.

Her Republican opponent, Rosemary Becchi, is a tax attorney and a lobbyist. With issues such as the mishandled pandemic, woman’s rights, the affordable care act, environmental rights, and the second amendment on the line, education, and experience, like Mikie Sherrill has, is our best choice to represent the true needs of the American people.

Let’s look at our presidential candidates and their background and education, shall we? Joe Biden graduated from the University of Delaware and Syracuse University with a B.A. from one school and a Law degree the other. He worked as an attorney and decided he wanted to devote his life to politics early in his career.  He was the 6th youngest Senator in American history. He has great compassion for people because of his own hardship of losing his wife and daughter.  He was sworn in at the hospital his son was being treated at. He was re-elected 6 times to the U.S. Senate and worked as an adjunct law professor from 1991-2007 at Widener University in Delaware while he served in congress. Side note, he taught “Constitutional Law”. He then went on the serve as Vice President for the United States of America for eight years. During Congress and VP time he served on dozens of committees dedicated to health care, foreign affairs, and budget concerns. He has stood up for equal rights for everyone, and that includes everyone. No need to list them all here. He chooses a running mate who attended the historical Howard University, obtained a law degree, and served as District Attorney General of San Francisco from 2004 – 2011 and went on to ALSO become a respected United States Senator.

Now let’s look at Donald Trump. His educational record is sketchy because he had his records sealed and threatened to sue anyone who wanted to see them. He says he attended the New York Military Academy, but he was 13 and sent there as a problem child. It was just a New York boarding school. He started college at Fordham University and then for some strange reason, he finished the 2nd half of college at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He was accused of cheating on his SAT’s. He has no education beyond a bachelor’s degree but somehow ran his own University. We know how that turned out. He has no known previous political experience. He built hotels with his father’s money; he started Trump Entertainment and was a reality TV star. How does it sound so far?  He mishandled a global pandemic, bullies and calls people names, uses racist language, and verbally and possibly physically abuses women. His greatest hits include tweets, the inauguration crowd, Russia, Putin, North Korea, environmental attacks, disrespecting veterans, the Saudis’, nepotism, mocking the disabled, throwing paper towels, porn stars, tax returns, kids in cages, lying profusely, and Covfefe. Every one of these is the truth. It’s a blatant lie his economy was stronger than any other president as he boasts and he favors the rich when it comes to taxes. I prefer Presidents that don’t get Corona Virus.

Now with this more accurate information, make your own choice. I would never tell anyone who to vote for, but I would like to repeat the opening quote:  “I think you are starting to see a lot of what has preserved U.S. democracy is decorum, not necessarily strong institutions, just good behavior.”  The choice is very clear and the voting process is fair, safe, and simple. Good luck, America. We got this.

Laura McCluskey
Lake Hiawatha

Letter to the Editor: Response to Mr. dePierro’s Letter to the Editor

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

I read with interest Michael dePierro’s Letter to the Editor in which he called upon the silent majority to vote for President Trump and the Republican candidates up and down the ballot. No surprise there although I do believe that three weeks before the election there are very few undecided voters as evidenced by the nine million Americans who have already cast their ballot indicating that the “majority” won’t be “silent” November 3. I trust that Mr. dePierro believes that voting by mail, whether by Republicans, Democrats and Independents, is an efficient and safe way vote to vote in the midst of a pandemic.

With that said, I hope and expect that Mr. dePierro will join me in expressing his support for the peaceful transfer of power once the votes across America have been counted and certified. With a record number of Americans expected to vote that tally may not be completed on election night or in the immediate days that follow but once completed the American people’s will must be respected and work by leaders on both sides of the aisle must begin immediately to bring all Americans together.

Bob Crawford
Denville

Morris County Surrogate Online Education and Awareness Sessions

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Surrogate Online Education and Awareness Sessions

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling is continuing the series of virtual “Surrogate’s Sessions” she launched last month, with the second session entitled, “What should an Executor Know.” The “Surrogate’s Session” is scheduled for Friday, October 23 at 12:00 Noon.

Anyone interested in joining must please register for the session by clicking here.

Each participant will receive confirmation and access to information.

The “Surrogate Sessions” are an education campaign designed to provide Morris County residents with information on pertinent topics related to wills, estates, trusts, and probate matters. They will also detail improvements in Surrogate’s Office procedures that are making it easier for clients to navigate the process.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Surrogate Darling began an education campaign that featured speaking engagements across Morris County. The goal was to ensure that county residents, especially senior citizens, special needs residents, and their families are aware of what the Surrogate’s Court does and how it can be a resource for them. “I was extremely pleased with the public participation during the first Surrogate’s Session,” said Surrogate Darling. “It was clear that these important topics of discussion are important to Morris County citizens.” The first session on drafting a will is available on the Surrogate’s website. “The second session goes deeper into this particular portion of wills, trusts, and estates and helps interested parties understand the responsibilities of an Executor and also the advantages and drawbacks of this important role in probate,” the Surrogate explained.

Surrogate Darling has invited Tom Torzewski, a well-known estate planning attorney, to join her on the panel.

Letter to the Editor: Parsippany School Board Recommendations

Frank L. Cahill
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

As a past School Board member and as a Township Councilman for the past 43 years, I come in contact with many qualified and committed residents in Parsippany who are committed to giving back to our community. They have been involved and have proven their value to our community. That is why I am recommending that Matt DeVitto, Debbie Orme, and Tim Berrios be reelected to the Parsippany Board of Education.

Matt DeVitto has served as a committed member of the Parsippany School Board for 3 years. He has served our community in Intramural Sports by coaching with the Parsippany Soccer Club and the Par-Troy West Little League Baseball for years. He sees the value of extracurricular activities as a supplement to our children’s academic education. Matt feels that today’s children need a good grasp of today’s modern technology to further many of today’s academic goals.

Debbie Orme is and has always been a dedicated and vested volunteer in our community. She served previously on the Parsippany Board of Education from 2006 – 2012. She has volunteered over the years in several communities and the regional non-profit board of directors has served as PTA President, Project Graduation, as Scout Leader, sports coach, and many others. Debbie is grateful to have been appointed back onto the School Board last fall and looks forward to continuing to serve our community on the School Board.

Tim Berrios has been a dedicated and contributing member of the Parsippany Board of Education since 2014. His priorities have been to support student educational programs and extracurricular activities, support teachers, and yet remain aware of the cost to taxpayers. Some of his fondest memories include volunteering with other parents as part of the PHS Marching Band Field Crew. He takes pride in celebrating the achievements of the Parsippany students through all of their activities. He has attended numerous football games, concerts, musicals, and various other school events.

Michael dePierro
Parsippany

Letter to the Editor: “Put this insanity behind us”

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

“The 2020 election is now underway. This election will determine America’s future for decades to come. We have never had such a contrast in leadership, ability, respect for all people, and basic democracy.” This is how I wanted to refute the recent opinion piece by prominent Parsippany Republican Councilman Michael dePierro, line by line and point by point, with a few tweaks of disagreement.  I certainly agree the contrast of this election cannot be starker.

But the first thing I actually want to do is extend a heartfelt thanks – to every Republican who has looked at the past four years and said, “This is not us – this is not my America”.  That same thanks also goes to anyone that supported the current President and is changing their vote this year.   If there’s a point of unity that might be salvaged from this dark time it might be found in this idea… This is not who we are.

Mr. dePierro points to Trump’s numerous promises.  For one, the ridiculous symbolic wall – that Mexico was going to pay for, which many experts agree doesn’t do a thing to repel the “hordes” of immigrants at our southern border who miraculously cease their invasion except when federal elections are coming up (By the way – haven’t heard of the invasion lately – have you?).  He notes decreasing unemployment as a Trump accomplishment, which one could refute with just a quick look at the Department of Labor statistics, where you can plainly see (Pre-COVID) the rate was in steady decline from November 2009 – the first year of the Obama Administration.

But what Mr. DiPierro conveniently leaves out is one of Trump’s other promises – repealing Obamacare.  All Republicans scramble to assure the public that one of the laws most popular provisions, the protections for pre-existing conditions, will not be taken away – yet they can’t explain in any detail how they would do that while Trump is currently before the courts right now trying to strike it down.   Mr. DiPierro laments how Trump has lacked a supportive Congress  – yet when Trump had full control in his first two years he found out how popular the law is, and failed to repeal it.  That was largely the will of late Senator John McCain – who seemingly took all the decency left in the ranks of the GOP to the grave with him.

And speaking of the health of the American people – there is of course COVID-19, which Mr. dePierro largely ignores in terms of Republican leadership’s downplaying of this threat that has taken over 210,000 American lives.   Mr. dePierro lauds the candidacy of Rosemary Becchi, who in many of her social media posts is clearly not even wearing a mask or social distancing.   OK – we get it.  You don’t think COVID is a big deal.  It’s a big hoax.  It’s overblown.   The majority of us respectfully disagree.  You ought to as well, Mr. DiPierro, given your age group.  It would be helpful if you spoke more about that issue.

Mr. DiPierro asks that Mr. Trump be given a supportive Congress to do … well… I shudder to imagine exactly what, given the past four years.   He seems to look completely past the idea that when Trump once had full control,  the country was so horrified at him acting without guardrails that they turned Congress back to the Democrats in 2018 to maintain a check on his lunacy.   But without a corresponding Senate, he’s continued to engage in a number of impeachable offenses that would have run previous administrations straight out of the White House on a rail.   This is precisely how Mikie Sherrill was elected.  Changing course at this point with the Presidency completely melting down makes no sense whatsoever.

The most prominent criticism of Sherrill is that she votes with Nancy Pelosi (the leader of her party) This claim misconstrues her promise of not voting for Pelosi for House leadership and opting for new blood, a promise she actually kept.  In fact, Sherrill resisted all calls for impeachment on Trump’s obstruction of the Mueller probe – and only got on board with impeachment after the President extorted a foreign ally for his own political gain.  That was crossing the line for her. What will Trump attempt to get away with when he has more enablers in Congress like Rosemary Becchi – who refuses to even acknowledge Trump’s existence let alone call out any misdeeds of this administration?

This is not who we are.  We need to put this insanity behind us.   It’s not an issue of Democrat vs. Republican.  It’s an American issue.  Many feel that the Republic itself is at stake with a second Trump term.   I’m slightly more optimistic as even with a GOP defeat – we are still going to be faced with the elements of our society that gave him power in the first place.   And I feel that that’s a more difficult problem than we may want to acknowledge.

To steal a quote from Broadway’s Hamilton…History surely has its eyes on us.

Tom Wyka
Parsippany

Letter to the Editor: Vote Republican

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

The November election is just around the corner. This election will determine America’s future for decades to come. We have never had such a contrast in leadership, ability, and proven results as we do now.

Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi have been in Washington for decades. Under their leadership, and under the influence of others with extreme Socialistic Agendas, the Democrats have moved so completely far left that they aren’t even recognizable anymore. The unrest in our country today; the needless destruction and false narrative have caused many Americans to fear for their safety.

President Trump made many promises during the 2016 campaign as do all campaigners. The difference is, Donald Trump kept his promises. He promised to build a wall and increase border security; Help the middle class and the underprivileged resulting in the lowest unemployment rate in history even for all minorities; Strengthen our military; Appoint Supreme Court Justices and Lower Court Justices who would follow our Constitution, not re-write it. The promises were many and Donald Trump kept them all. Imagine what he could have accomplished if he had a Congress that worked with him instead of against him. 

In the 2018 midterm elections, the Democrats won the House of Representatives. Pelosi became the Speaker and attempted to impeach Donald Trump or marginalize his presidency. That is why we need to band together and fight back by supporting strong conservative candidates who will take back control of the House in November.

Voters in Congressional District 11 elected Mikie Sherrill to replace retiring Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen. Sherrill promised to be a strong representative for our district. As soon as she arrived in Washington, she fell in line with and became a puppet for Pelosi. She did not keep her promise. She even voted with Pelosi to impeach Trump.

Fortunately, we have Rosemary Becchi, a strong Conservative running against Sherrill. Rosemary released her economic plan which prioritizes extending immediate COVID relief to our communities while making necessary changes to NJ’s struggling business environment. She will work with Trump to restore our economy to what it was before the Pandemic. info@becchiforcongress.com

If the silent majority voters across the country vote the Republican column straight down, we will be sending a Republican Congress and Senate to Washington with Trump. We will be helping President Trump to Make America Great Again.

Michael dePierro
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President

Halloween 2020 Celebration Guidance

Frank L. Cahill
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Halloween 2020 Celebration Guidance

PARSIPPANY — Traditional Halloween celebrations often involve crowds, close contact between individuals, and activities in closed spaces. It is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives for celebrating the fall season. Outdoor activities, as opposed to indoor parties and events, are recommended. Those planning celebrations or participating in Halloween activities should keep in mind public health recommendations of social and physical distancing, wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth, and hand hygiene. Costume masks are not an acceptable substitute for cloth or disposable masks. Individuals should minimize interaction and contact with others who are not a part of their household.

As a reminder, no one should participate in these activities if they or a household member have a known exposure to COVID-19, are sick/symptomatic, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not yet met the criteria for discontinuing isolation.

This year, as New Jersey continues to respond to ongoing transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, recommendations for adapting traditional celebrations and considerations for ways to celebrate Halloween safely are listed below. Some communities may choose to cancel Halloween activities, so check with local sources before making plans.

  • Outdoor Door to Door Trick or Treating
    • Those who plan to trick-or-treat should limit their groups to current household members, consider staying local and limit the number of houses on their route. Social distancing should be practiced between all who are not in the same household.
    • For those putting out treats:
      • Good option: Limit interaction or contact with trick-or-treaters wear a mask when individuals come to the door and regularly wash hands.
      • Better option: Leave a treat bowl on a porch or table or in a place where it may be easily accessed while adhering to social distancing requirements.
      • Best option: Arrange individually packaged candy so that trick or treaters can grab and go without accessing a shared bowl.
    • Consider coordinating with neighbors to develop a system, such as signs or on/off porch lights, for distinguishing houses participating in trick-or-treating from those that do not wish to participate.
    • Wear a face mask to mitigate against COVID-19 exposure. Costume masks are not an acceptable substitute but can be supplemented with a cloth or disposable mask. Children under two should not wear a cloth mask.
    • Candy should be commercially packaged and non-perishable. Consider individual non-food “treats” to avoid the sharing of food.
    • Practice hand hygiene (wash hands or use hand sanitizer) before leaving your home, after touching objects such as wrapped candy, and when arriving home.
  • Outdoor Trunk or Treating (when children go car to car instead of house to house)
    • Limit the number of participating cars to ensure adequate space for social distancing and minimize crowds. Ensure the outdoor area has sufficient space per car to avoid overcrowding and to allow adequate space for social distancing.
    • Follow the outdoor gatherings limitations in effect at the time.
    • Design event in a long line, rather than a circle to ensure social and physical distancing to discourage crowding.
    • Consider having assigned times or multiple shifts to minimize crowding during the event.
    • Wear a face mask. Costume masks are not an acceptable substitute but can be supplemented with a cloth or disposable mask. Children under two should not wear a cloth mask.
    • Candy should be commercially packaged and non-perishable.
    • Practice hand hygiene before the event, after touching objects such as wrapped candy, and after the event.
  • Halloween Parties
    • Avoid large indoor or outdoor parties, which would be subject to the limitations currently in effect on indoor and outdoor gatherings.
    • Keep up to date with the most current restrictions on outdoor and indoor gatherings.
    • Avoid participation in activities that require close contact and/or shared items such as bobbing for apples
  • Haunted houses, hayrides, and corn mazes
    • Wear a cloth or disposable mask while participating in these activities. As noted above, a costume mask does not suffice.
    • Indoor haunted houses should be avoided because of the possibility of the congregation and screaming in close quarters. If hosting a haunted house, ensure visitors maintain an appropriate distance by staggering start times and limiting occupancy. A better option would be to host an outdoor haunted house without live performers.
    • Hayrides should limit the number of passengers per ride and keep openings to the same party. Any shared materials should be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
    • Corn mazes should only permit individuals to proceed in one direction, should limit occupancy according to the applicable restrictions in effect at the time, and should avoid the use of shared materials.
    • Entities hosting these events are encouraged to take reservations and/or sell tickets in advance.
  • 5. Examples of socially distant Halloween activities that would require minimal or no additional health and safety protocols include:
    • Virtual activities such as online costume parties.
    • Drive through events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area/neighborhood with Halloween displays.
    • Carving pumpkins with family.
    • Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations.
    • Halloween themed movie nights with family

Parsippany Community Update October 9, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update October 9, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Town Hall will be closed on Monday for Columbus Day. Though it’s a holiday weekend, garbage collection will proceed as normal and indicated on your township calendar.

If your garbage is normally collected on Monday, it will be collected on Monday, October 12. The recycling yard will also be open tomorrow during normal hours, 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., but will be closed on Monday. For more information, call (973) 263-7273

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Installs New Officers

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Installs New Officers

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9, Frank Cahill, installed the 2020-2021 officers of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany on Saturday, October 3 at Elmas Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant.

Lt. Governor Frank Cahill administering the Oath of Office to new President Laura Wohland. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography

Laura Wohland was sworn in as President; Frank Cahill, Immediate Past President and Foundation President; Connie Keller as President-Elect, Nicolas Limanov as Vice President; Karen Gajewski as Secretary and Casey Parikh as Treasurer.

Also joining in the new officers were board members: Club Administration – Connie Keller;
Community – Carol Tiesi and Karen DeChristopher; YCPO (Young Children Priority One) co-directors – Nicolas Limanov and Dr. Julie Scarano-Debrossy; Sponsored Youth –  Bonnie Sturm and Human and Spiritual – Laura Wohland.

As of September 30, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany was the largest club in the New Jersey District.

Laura Wohland delivering her acceptance speech and goals for 2020-2021. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography

Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

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

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs: Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School; two Builders Clubs” Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School; Circle K Club at Seton Hall University and one Aktion Club.

Frank Cahill administers the Oath of Office to incoming President-Elect Connie Keller. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography
Lt. Governor Frank Cahill administers the Oath of Office to Incoming Vice President Nicolas Limanov. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography
Lt. Governor Frank Cahill administers the Oath of Office to incoming Treasurer Casey Parikh. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography
Lt. Governor Frank Cahill administers the Oath of Office to returning Secretary Karen Gajewski. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography
Lt. Governor Frank Cahill administers the Oath of Office to Sponsored Youth Board Member Bonnie Sturm. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography
New Jersey District Governor Gordon Meth administers the Oath of Office to Immediate Past President Frank Cahill. Photo by Rafael Ortiz Photography

For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Welcomes New Member: Justin Musella

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Welcomes New Member: Justin Musella

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Laura Wohland welcomed new member Justin Musella during a breakfast meeting on Thursday, October 8 at Empire Diner.  Justin was sponsored by Charter Member Frank Cahill.

Wohland said “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and our community than to welcome a new member to our club? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Justin to our club. We welcome Justin to our global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

Lt.Governor Frank Cahill placing the official Kiwanis Pin on Justin

Musella said “I am honored to become a Kiwanis member earlier this morning. Community service and giving back has always been the two most important things in my life. Joining Kiwanis will allow me to further expand upon the contributions I make in Morris County. I look forward to all of the great programs and ideas this organization has planned for the betterment of our community in Parsippany.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 80 members, as of September 30, 2020. New members are always welcome. (Click here for more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany). Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany ensures that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. They believe that by helping one child, you help the world.

If you are interested in learning about our club, we currently meet weekly on Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner or you can join via Zoom by clicking here). For more information click here.

Scholarship Program Seeking Top Youth Volunteers

Frank L. Cahill
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Scholarship Program Seeking Top Youth Volunteers

MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey’s young changemakers have one month left to apply for scholarships, grants, and more through The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Through November 10, Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) are calling on middle level and high school volunteers to apply for local, state, and national recognition through this prestigious program.

New Jersey students in grades 5-12 are eligible for the 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards if they have made meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteering within the past 12 months — virtually or otherwise. The application is available by clicking here.

The top middle level and high school volunteer from each state and the District of Columbia will be named State Honorees in February. They will receive $1,000 scholarships, engraved silver medallions, and an invitation to the program’s national recognition events. In May, the program will name America’s top 10 youth volunteers of 2021. Those National Honorees will receive additional $5,000 scholarships, gold medallions, crystal trophies for their nominating schools or organizations, and $5,000 Prudential grants for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

Local-level honorees in each state will receive awards ranging from bronze medallions to certificates. Qualifying local honorees also receive President’s Volunteer Service Awards.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards was created in 1995 to recognize the exemplary volunteer work of middle level and high school students. Since then, awards have been granted to more than 140,000 middle and high school students across the country at the local, state, and national levels.

For complete details on the 2021 program and the stories of New Jersey’s top youth volunteers from years past click here.

Parsippany Applebee’s Offer Guests Scary Good October Specials: Kids Eat Free

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Applebee’s Offer Guests Scary Good October Specials: Kids Eat Free

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Applebee’s is bewitching guests young and old with kids eat free Halloween special for costumed children on Saturday, October 31 as well as Spooky Sips cocktails for adults all month long*.

Families who dine-in at Applebee’s, 1057 Route 46,  in costume on Halloween will receive up to two free kids’ meals with each adult entrée purchase. Children 12 years and under can choose from a variety of entrées from the Applebee’s Kids’ Menu, including cheesy quesadillas and crunchy chicken tenders. Children can also select either milk, chocolate milk, lemonade, orange juice, apple juice, or soda to drink.

For adults who want to get in on the Halloween spirit, everyone’s favorite, scary, holiday cocktails are back for a limited time. Now through Halloween, Applebee’s is serving up Spooky Sips in a signature Mucho glass for only $5.00**

Cure cravings with the Tipsy Zombie – an eye-popping, tropical blue cocktail – made with Bacardi Superior, a float of Midori, and topped with a gummy brain. Or guests can sink their teeth into the Dracula’s Juice – part margarita and part daiquiri, this cocktail is a shapeshifter just like Dracula! This frozen libation is made with Patrón Tequila, Bacardi Superior, wildberry, and margarita mix. Plus, Spooky Sips are available for To Go at participating locations.

The Halloween specials are also available at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises including Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Ocean, Paramus, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Totowa, Union and Wall.

*This Kids Eat Free special will be available at Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Saturday, October 31 only.

*This promotion consists of two free kids’ meals with the purchase of one adult entrée.

*Valid through dine-in only.

**Must be 21+. Void where prohibited. Tax & gratuity excluded. Spooky Sips are available for dine-in only except where carry-out alcohol is permitted by law. Participation may vary.

Parsippany Community Update October 8, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update October 8, 2020

PARSIPPANY — This morning, the Township raised the Italian Flag at Town Hall to celebrate Italian-American Heritage Month. I was proud to be joined by the Sons of Italy, including new President John Lonero, in recognition of one of our most thriving communities.

Four Morris County Correction Officers and One Morris County Sheriff’s Officer Plead Guilty to Drug-Related Offenses

Frank L. Cahill
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Four Morris County Correction Officers and One Morris County Sheriff’s Officer Plead Guilty to Drug-Related Offenses

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Chris Kimker, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon announce the culmination of a narcotics investigation that resulted in the arrest and guilty pleas of four Morris County Correction Officers and one Morris County Sheriff’s Officer for drug-related offenses.

Today’s guilty pleas arose from a multi-month investigation that was conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force) after receiving a Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers Program tip forwarded by Sheriff Gannon about illegal drug activity involving the use by a Morris County Sheriff’s Officer.

The investigation identified four Morris County Correction Officers employed in the Bureau of Corrections who were engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to purchase cocaine for their own personal use.

Two of these correction officers were also engaged in an ongoing conspiracy to distribute cocaine to their fellow officers. Additionally, this investigation identified a Morris County Sheriff’s Officer within the Bureau of Law Enforcement who was engaged in the ongoing conspiracy to purchase oxycodone prescription pills for his personal use.

Two of the officers were also charged with obstructing the administration of law or other governmental function for utilizing a county law enforcement database for an unauthorized purpose in connection to their drug conspiracy.

On October 7, 2020, the following defendants appeared before the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr. and pled guilty to the below-referenced charges:

Dominick Andico, 33: One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a; One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5 and One Count of Disorderly Person Obstructing the Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1.

Albert Wyman IV, 36: One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a  and One Count of Disorderly Person Obstructing the Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1.

Robert Busold, 27: One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a and One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.

Brian T. Rzucidlo, 35: One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Cocaine in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a.

Nicholas Ricciotti, 31: One Count of Third Degree Conspiracy to Possess Oxycodone (prescription medication) in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2 & N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a.

As part of the plea agreements, all defendants agreed to immediately resign from their positions as law enforcement officers, forfeiting their current public employment and will be disqualified from holding any future position in public employment.

In addition, the plea agreements call for a term of probation with mandatory drug treatment. Dominick Andico, Albert Wyman, Robert Busold, and Brian Rzucidlo were all employed by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and assigned as correction officers at the Morris County Correctional Facility.

Nicholas Ricciotti, a former Morris County correction officer, was now a Morris County Sheriff’s Officer assigned to the Bureau of Law Enforcement.

Prosecutor Knapp stated: “All law enforcement officers must be held to a high standard of conduct. The illicit drug use of these individuals must be dealt with swiftly and effectively. There has been no evidence of distribution other than for their personal use amongst each other. Nevertheless, they are all being terminated immediately and shall forfeit any and all possibility of future public employment.

We thank Sheriff Gannon for his unswerving cooperation throughout this investigation.” Sheriff Gannon stated: “After discovering this information through our Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers program, I immediately forwarded it to the County Prosecutor for investigation.

One of the silver linings to this sad episode, frankly, is how effectively the Crime Stoppers reporting system works. It proves that nobody – even Corrections and Sheriff’s Officers – are above the law. I trust that the people of Morris County won’t allow the criminal actions of a few bad apples to cast a shadow over the other 322 honest, moral, and hardworking staff at the Sheriff’s Office.

I am proud of my team and we are stronger today for rooting out and removing those who would bring dishonor to our organization and our county.”

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the units and agencies that participated in this investigation including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), Mt. Arlington Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Unit, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Unit, Intelligence Unit, and High-Tech Crimes Unit.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – October 6, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – October 6, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – October 6, 2020.

Click here to view a copy of the agenda.

Mayor Soriano Proclaims October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”

Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor Soriano Proclaims October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”

PARSIPPANY — At the Tuesday, October 6, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting, Mayor Michael A. Soriano read a proclamation for National Breast Care Awareness Month. October is National Breast Care Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease, and while we have seen an increase in mammography rates and a decline in deaths there is more we can do. which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease and while we have seen an increase in mammography rates and a decline in deaths there is more we can do.

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