Freeholder Selen Continues to Fight for Reimbursement of JCP&L Customers

Frank L. Cahill
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Freeholder Selen Continues to Fight for Reimbursement of JCP&L Customers

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Freeholder, Tayfun Selen demands that JCP&L reimburse their Morris County Ratepayers.

“First and foremost, thank you for your kind words and encouragement last week regarding my strong criticism of JCPL and their incompetent response to recent storms.

“It’s 15 days post-storm now, and I am not done fighting.

In other parts of New Jersey, utility company PSE&G has started to reimburse ratepayers for food and medicine that went bad during the power outage.

“CONED, a utility company in NY has been doing the same.

“What has JCPL done? Nothing!

“Frankly, I’ve received countless calls and emails from seniors, single moms, and small business owners across the county who suffered a real hardship due to these unacceptably long power outages. JCPL must be held accountable.

“JCPL made over $380 million in profit in the first six months of the year and the CEO made $9 million last year. It’s time for JCPL to put people before profits and do the right thing by their customers in Morris County.

“If JCPL won’t do it voluntarily, then the Board of Public Utilities needs to do their job and protect ratepayers.

“Enough is enough. If you have your own story about getting screwed by JCPL, call my cell phone at (973) 222-0484.”

A message from Dr. Barbara Sergent

Frank L. Cahill
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A message from Dr. Barbara Sergent

Good afternoon, Parsippany Families.

As you have seen in the news and heard through friends and family in other NJ communities, many school districts are revising their plans for September with several choosing to begin the year fully remote as they address challenges in different areas.

Our district plan addresses the guidelines set forth by the NJ Department of Education. In response to a few concerns raised by parents and staff over the past weeks, however, I presented an updated Return to School plan at last night’s Board of Education meeting which contains the following adjustments:

For September 2 through October 2, students attending in-person will follow a half-day schedule. Remote learning will continue in the afternoon for all students.

Elementary SKIP will be offered before school and after school until 5:00 p.m. for students who are attending in-person during their assigned cohort week.

The district will continue to follow the Week A/Week B with Virtual Friday model.
Special education students in elementary self-contained classes will follow an AM/PM split day every week Monday through Friday. Special education students in middle and high school self-contained classes (MD, BD, Autism, and Transition) will follow a ½ day schedule every week Monday through Thursday through October 2 with Friday being virtual.

Full day and Transitional Preschool students will attend split AM/PM sessions Monday through Friday every week.
Half-day Preschool will be held with students following the Week A/Week B model.

A half-day allows students and staff to adjust to wearing masks for longer periods of time, gives teachers a chance to become comfortable with hybrid instruction, and allows everyone the opportunity to understand and follow new rules and behaviors that will keep us safe. Age-appropriate snack breaks will occur – outside, when possible. I will monitor health data over the next several weeks and, if appropriate, recommend a transition to full-day Week A/Week B with Virtual Friday model for October 5.

School principals are working with their teacher leaders and Pandemic Response Teams to finalize and communicate details about the instructional day. Parents may expect information from principals next week about picking up textbooks and materials for fully remote learners, Free and Reduced Meal access, transportation, and more.

Parents, I know this decision complicates your lives even further and I am truly sorry for that. This is a challenging time for us all and I believe that a half-day start to the school year will help to allay concerns about the length of the day, student lunches, and the hybrid instructional model. Please direct your frustrations to me and be kind to your principals and teachers who are working incredibly hard to create a safe and welcoming start to the school year.

Respectfully,

Dr. Barbara Sargent
Superintendent of Schools

Morris County Announces Grants for Local Businesses

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Announces Grants for Local Businesses

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Freeholders are pleased to announce that small businesses in the county will share in the $15.3 million in Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Emergency Security (CARES) Act funding the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has made available to select businesses in 12 counties that did not receive direct aid from the federal government.

The limited grant program is earmarked for business owners in Morris and 11 other counties – Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren – that did not get any direct federal CARES Act funding because it was predicated on counties meeting specific population requirements.

Grants are to be provided to businesses that had already applied as of the July deadline for aid through the NJEDA’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program.

“We are pleased to announce, along with our chamber partners, small business assistance for Morris County. We urge the EDA to increase funding for this program, as has been done for Passaic and Essex counties. While the EDA’s effort to boost our small businesses is a good start, we need to do more for businesses and employees in New Jersey,” said Freeholder John Krickus.

From small retail outlets to service providers and restaurants, Morris County entrepreneurs continue to struggle to stay in business under the state’s COVID19 restrictions.

“I applaud this first step by the NJEDA as one of many that must be taken to help Morris County’s family-owned stores, small businesses, and our overall economy during this crisis. As the board’s liaison to economic development, I will continue to fight, along with my colleagues on the freeholder board, to ensure there is a fair distribution of this federal and state aid to the people of Morris County,” said Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo.

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce (MCHACC) also expressed gratitude that Morris County businesses are receiving grants.

“Latinos are playing a critical role in driving our economy through outsized new business growth in Morris County. Helping the small Latino businesses and their employees will tolerate the effects of the economic impact of COVID-19,” said Esperanza Porras-Field, President Emeritus & Founder of the MCHACC.

“The Cares Act Funding for grants will be a big relief for small business owners that are struggling. The Latino community is opening more small businesses than anyone else in the United States and become the fastest-growing business owners across the country, she added.”

Hispanic-owned businesses employ more than 3 million people, according to the 2019 State of Latino Entrepreneurship report by the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative (SLEI), and account for about 4% of U.S. business revenues and 5.5% of U.S.

“Small businesses are vital to the economy of Morris County which overall produces over $50 billion in GRP and thousands of jobs, tax revenue, and desired goods and services, and these businesses have been disproportionately affected during this health and economic crisis,” said Meghan Hunscher, President of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Morris County Economic Development Corporation.

“We are grateful that the NJEDA will allow businesses in Morris County to access the CARES Act funds. Since continued cash flow is a concern, we also strongly encourage the Governor to consider reopening businesses in portions of the state where the virus is clearly under control and in a way that can keep customers safe to make sure businesses survive this pandemic,” she added.

The NJEDA created its Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program in March to provide financial assistance to certain small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits that needed payroll and working capital support because of the adverse impacts they suffered under restrictions imposed due to the COVID19 pandemic. The program focused initially on certain targeted industries that were the most adversely impacted and offered reimbursement for lost revenue as a result of business interruption.

The NJEDA has a newly created Small Business Dedicated Team. More information on that team can be found by clicking here.

For information on the State’s COVID-19 resources for businesses click here.

To learn more about the NJEDA click here.

Morris Prosecutor: Santander Bank ATMs Theft Investigation

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris Prosecutor: Santander Bank ATMs Theft Investigation

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker have announced that the Prosecutor’s Office has joined the investigation into a series of thefts from Santander Bank ATMs located within Morris County.

The Prosecutor’s Office is investigating in conjunction with several other agencies, including the FBI, State Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Park Police Department, and municipal police departments in Parsippany, Boonton, East Hanover, Long Hill, Rockaway Borough, Denville, Montville, Randolph, and Wharton.

At this time, there is no reason to believe customer accounts were compromised and that only the financial institution was victimized.

Numerous defendants have been charged in Morris County in connection to this investigation, which is ongoing.

Inquiries should be directed to Public Information Officer Meghan Knab at mknab@co.morris.nj.us or by phone at (973) 829-8159.

Morris County to Replace Intervale Road Bridge — Detour Required

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County to Replace Intervale Road Bridge — Detour Required

PARSIPPANY — Morris County is set to start work during the week of Monday, August 31 on replacement of the Intervale Road bridge in Parsippany, a span that crosses a tributary of Troy Brook.

The tiny county-owned span will be closed to traffic for about four months, with motorists facing a one-mile detour. Signs will be installed to guide traffic on alternate routes in both directions, employing Intervale Road and Lake Drive.

This is one of a series of bridge projects currently being undertaken by county government across Morris County.

“This may be a small bridge but it is very important to county residents who use it every day, and we must maintain it,’’ said Freeholder Stephen Shaw. “It is part of the county’s continuing effort to ensure that we provide safe and first-rate infrastructure for county residents and businesses.’’

The $726,360 Intervale Road bridge project will include replacement of the existing structure and both roadway approaches. Sparwick Contracting of Lafayette Township in Sussex County, the lowest responsible bidder, will be the contractor on the project, which is being financed by the Morris County government.

Intervale Road bridge carries as many as 600 vehicles daily. The original stone masonry arch bridge was built about 120 years ago, estimated at 1900, and then widened and reinforced in 1940.

The bridge, bordered by guide rails on both sides, is just six-feet long and 31-feet wide. It carries two lanes of traffic in eastbound and westbound directions. While a bridge evaluation report lists the bridge in overall “fair” condition, the original stone arch has been deteriorating. It will be more cost-effective to replace the bridge rather than continue increasingly costly maintenance.

Morris County is moving ahead on many bridge projects this summer, taking advantage of lighter traffic during the COVID-19 crisis to get work done with less impact to the motoring public.

Ongoing Morris County Bridge Projects:

  • Jefferson Township: Russia Road bridge replacement
  • Dover: East Blackwell Street bridge replacement
  • Mt. Olive/Netcong: Waterloo Road bridge replacement
  • Rockaway Township: Valley Road bridge replacement

Completed 2020 Morris County Bridge Projects:

  • Washington Township: Schooley’s Mountain Road bridge
  • Rockaway Township: Chestnut Terrace Bridge
  • Morris Township: Mill Road bridge in Morris Township

Morris County Secures More Than $7 Million in Aid for COVID-19 Response

Frank L. Cahill
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Morris County Secures More Than $7 Million in Aid for COVID-19 Response

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Freeholders are pleased to announce that more than $7 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) funding has been directed by Governor Phil Murphy to assist Morris County with continued COVID-19 testing and reimburse it for costs already incurred in its diligent response to the pandemic.

The funding includes $3,819,380 in reimbursement dollars for expenses Morris County incurred as of June 30 and which were not covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dollars, insurance, or other funding. An additional $357,500 is earmarked to continue testing operations until December and $2,915,033 to support the testing of vulnerable and priority populations moving forward.

Gov. Phil Murphy speaks with Morris County freeholder director Deborah Smith, left, and deputy director Stephen Shaw

“This funding it critical to Morris County’s ability to continue combating this devastating pandemic with the same responsible, direct, and forceful effort we mobilized when the virus first hit us,” said Freeholder Director Deborah Smith.

“Morris County went from being one of the most seriously impacted areas in the state to having one of the lowest virus-spread rates in the state because of our rigorous, organized response, which included proactive budgeting and spending adjustments so we did not dig the county into a financial hole,” Freeholder Smith added.

Morris County’s extensive response included, among other actions, opening a testing center, monitoring the virus spread, direct aid to food pantries, partnering with health providers, and providing infrared thermometers to community and faith-based groups.

“In early March we were planning for a prolonged health emergency. We bolstered our health and human services, focused our county resources on fighting the pandemic, and worked closely with our local health officials and medical providers. Our efforts included retaining additional public health staff, boosting our stockpile of personal protection equipment, and launching a testing site without state aid. We have now pivoted to assist in recovery with the formation of a COVID-19 Recovery Task Force,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Stephen Shaw.

“The task force continues to address the needs of community organizations, businesses, and help with the mental health effects of the pandemic. This grant dovetails with some of those initiatives, and we look forward to offering more testing support to our towns, businesses and communities as we pull through this crisis together,” added Freeholder Shaw.

Morris County, along with 11 other counties, received no direct CARES Act funding from the federal government this past spring because direct aid was predicated on a requirement a county have a population of at least 500,000 residents. Morris County missed that threshold by a mere 8,000 residents, while nine other counties, two of which barely met the population requirement, shared in $1.05 billion in direct aid.

Morris County freeholders flagged the population requirement as arbitrary and urged the Governor in April to provide Morris County with a share of $2.4 billion the State of New Jersey received from the CARES Act.

The freeholders’ request was supported in a joint letter by Republican State Sen. Anthony Bucco, Democratic State Sen. Dick Codey, and Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill. They argued it is unfair to deny aid to some counties and give millions to others, particularly when the counties have virtually the same populations.

They also noted the pandemic’s impact on Morris County residents last spring was much higher than in other counties that each received nearly $90 million or more indirect aid.

“We want to thank the state and Governor Murphy for this grant. We also need to acknowledge that we were very fortunate to have had the support of Senator Bucco, Congresswoman Sherrill, and Senator Codey advocating the Governor’s Office to secure this funding,” said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni.

“Without question, their joint efforts helped the Governor to recognize how inequitable a rigid population requirement was in determining the distribution of financial aid in New Jersey, which has been hardest hit, second only to New York, by the pandemic,” added Administrator John Bonanni.

The new funding provides opportunities for the county to conduct at-home testing programs and work with municipal health officials to establish scheduled mobile testing sites. A more detailed plan is already in development and will be available in the near future.

The freeholders and administrator joined Governor Murphy earlier today in announcing the new grant at an event at Vasa Park in Mount Olive.

For more information on the initiatives taken by Morris County to address COVID-19 since February and other significant announcements about the virus in New Jersey click here.

Parsippany’s Best Pizza has Reopened

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s Best Pizza has Reopened

PARSIPPANY — After many hours of the electricians working hard, Parsippany’s Best Pizza has reopened.

Quick thinking employees called 911 and the quick response time from Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 and Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4 the smell of burning electrical wires was contained to the electrical box which was easy to replace.

Parsippany’s Best Pizza is located at 756 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza.

Sherrill Hosts Roundtable Discussion with Black Small Business Owners

Frank L. Cahill
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Sherrill Hosts Roundtable Discussion with Black Small Business Owners

PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) hosted a virtual roundtable discussion this week with Black small business owners in the community to hear about the challenges facing small businesses during COVID-19, their experiences with the PPP and EIDL programs, and issues business owners anticipate as we move to the fall and winter months. This August is the 14th Annual National Black Business Month, and the business owners on the call highlighted the strength of the Black-owned small business community in North Jersey across different sectors.

“The Black small business owners in our community that I heard from this week have had to pivot their business models during COVID, and some have even launched entirely new businesses during this unprecedented time,” said Rep. Sherrill. “While some were able to access PPP, EIDL, and state grants, it’s clear we need to do more to support our small business community here in North Jersey, including Black-owned businesses. These business owners are already anticipating what the fall and winter will look like, and the resources necessary to adapt once again. The next round of coronavirus legislation must include additional resources and extended deadlines for the PPP. I also want to see us pass legislation like the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program Act that will help small businesses with steep declines to their revenue and prioritize underserved businesses in the Black community.”

“I am very appreciative that Mikie Sherrill organized this round table,” said Denise Ford Sawadogo, Montclair Brewery. “It was great to share a few of the frustrations with the federal and state funding and grants that were earmarked for small businesses due to Covid-19. At the same time, I thought it was important to mention some of the supportive measures that the Governor has put into place to help microbreweries in the state. I hope that some of these temporary measures will become laws on a permanent basis which should help modernize NJ’s antiquated brewery laws. It was also great to meet some other small black-owned businesses in the state, the majority of whom I was not familiar with.”

“The pandemic was quite a paradigm shift for all of us,” said Isaiah Findley-Pinnock, Co-Founder of ESO Artisanal Pasta. “AJ lost his job and I was furloughed but for the first time in years we, along with Joel, were able to take a serious look at ourselves in the mirror and ask ourselves what we want to do and be, and where we see ourselves in the future.” The answer was written in their brotherhood, passion, and optimism. “Sometimes you have to make opportunity for yourself,” Isaiah continued to say. “Starting a business was always a dream for us. Once the pandemic brought us closer together by pulling us from our jobs, our optimism helped us pivot our ideal business model to fit the changing social climate. Now we sell an experience that is important to us and our brotherhood; that is a nice family-oriented, communal, culinary dining experience.”

“The pandemic has been an extremely challenging time for our event management company,” said Lori Montague, Wood Legacy Productions. “We’ve had to reinvent our structure to stay afloat. It’s reassuring to have Congresswoman Sherrill take a hands-on approach to help us navigate through this season.

“Small businesses need support as they collectively keep the spirits of towns and cities alive, as well as give back to their respective communities and neighboring businesses,” said Eugene Lennon-Wynn and Brandon Baskerville, Empyre9. “Especially in Black communities, the small Black-owned businesses surviving the pandemic continue to provide for and inspire the townspeople. Not every business has the room to remodel their business in accordance with COVID-19 so any and all support will be appreciated.”

“I’m tremendously grateful that Mikie Sherrill offered this Roundtable,” said Casey Carpenter, Speak & Own It Communications. “As a solopreneur marketing service and not a product sold from a brick and mortar, I often feel overlooked. With a business that’s too small to qualify for much of the relief already offered, I felt that Sherrill really listened to my concerns about equity and viability. She gave me hope. I feel honored that she is rolling up her sleeves on our behalf.”

“Speaking directly with Sherrill I felt heard, and that her office can help me navigate the bureaucracy of Covid-19 relief programs to get results,” said Leslie Allen, Win4Life Enterprises, and West End Residential. “The empowering side benefit of her round table was to meet fellow black business owners that I can support; two right here in my town! Together we are stronger.”

“Sherrill has a passion to help local black small business owners and I am thankful for the support she is offering,” said Hakika DuBose Wise, Kika Stretch Studios.

Representative Sherrill was joined by the following business owners:

Denise Ford Sawadogo, Montclair Brewery
Hakika DuBose Wise, Kika Stretch Studios, Montclair
Leslie Allen, Win4Life Enterprises and West End Residential
Casey Carpenter, Speak & Own It Communications
Isaiah Findley-Pinnock, Eso Artisanal Pasta, Morristown
Eugene Lennon-Wynn and Brandon Baskerville, Empyre9, Totowa
Lori Montague, Wood Legacy Productions

Rep. Sherrill has continued her advocacy for the NJ-11 small business community throughout the pandemic. This week, she co-sponsored the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program (P4) Act (H.R. 7241). This legislation will allow small businesses with under 100 employees who have seen revenue declines of at least 50% to apply for a 2nd PPP loan and would extend the decline to apply for an initial PPP loan to the end of this year. It would require the SBA to issue guidance to lenders instructing them to prioritize lending to underserved businesses — given that Black-owned small businesses were greatly underserved by the initial round of PPP loans, this will directly allow them to receive priority this round. The P4 also requires the Small Business Administration to collect demographic information about PPP recipients.

Camilo Rodriguez Charged with Disorderly Conduct/Criminal Trespass

Frank L. Cahill
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Camilo Rodriguez Charged with Disorderly Conduct/Criminal Trespass

HACKETTSTOWN — The Hackettstown Police responded to River’s Edge Gardens Apartments, 211 Mountain Avenue, in reference to a male attempting to break into vehicles on Tuesday, August 18 at 3:41 p.m.

When the victim went to confront the suspect, the suspect took off running down Mountain Avenue.

The victim caught up to the suspect on Route 57 and attempted to confront him until officers arrived.

The suspect was identified as Camilo A. Rodriguez, 39, Parsippany, and it was determined that he did enter one vehicle but didn’t take anything.

Camilo was charged with criminal trespass and two counts of disorderly conduct. Camilo was released pending a court appearance. Assisting at the scene was the Mansfield Township Police.

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.

Mobile Census in Parsippany This Sunday

Frank L. Cahill
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Mobile Census in Parsippany This Sunday

PARSIPPANY — As part of the final Get Out The Count effort to ensure that every resident is counted, Census employees will be in Parsippany this Sunday, August 23. This is a great opportunity to complete the Census with assistance from Census Takers. Filling out the census only takes a few minutes, but the impact can last a lifetime.

Census Takers will be in Parsippany this Sunday at the following locations:

  • 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parsippany Library, 449 Halsey Road
  • 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Parsippany Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard

Who are Census Takers? They are you!

  • Census Takers are members of your community, your neighbors, working to make sure everyone is counted so your community can get its fair share of federal funding and be properly represented.
  • They will offer to help you complete the Census, using an electronic device.

Census Takers will follow COVID-19 safety protocols:

  • Census takers will wear masks and follow local public health guidelines.
  • All Census takers completed a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing and other health and safety protocols before beginning their work in neighborhoods.

Don’t want an in-person visit? Complete the Census by phone or online!

  • If you’d rather not have your door knocked on just Complete the Census here or over the phone at 844-330-2020 (English), 844-468-2020 (Spanish), or any of the other language numbers listed here.

Arbor Terrace Communities holding “Virtual Wine Tasting”

Frank L. Cahill
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Arbor Terrace Communities holding “Virtual Wine Tasting”

MORRIS PLAINS — The New Jersey Arbor Terrace Communities have partnered with Alzheimer’s New Jersey to host a unique Virtual Wine Tasting experience!  Join them on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 p.m. for this fundraiser to help support the important programs that provide respite to NJ caregivers.

Learn how to register by clicking here.

Please note registration ends on Monday, August 24 in order to have time to ship three bottles of specially chosen wine to your door.

For questions, contact Mary Beth Kane at marybeth.kane@arborccompany.com

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Electrical Box Blew at Parsippany’s Best Pizza

Frank L. Cahill
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Electrical Box Blew at Parsippany’s Best Pizza

PARSIPPANY  — Parsippany’s Best Pizza employees called 911 for a strong odor of electrical burning on Friday evening, August 21. Parsippany’s Best Pizza is located at 756 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza.

The electrical box was smoking and was extinguished by Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 5 and Lake Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department District 4.

Firemen at the scene of Parsippany’s Best Pizza
Firemen at the scene of Parsippany’s Best Pizza

Whippany Fire Department and Boonton Fire Department also responded to the scene.

JCP&L was called to the scene to turn off the power. It is reported the business will be closed until repairs are made.

Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance was also at the scene, and Parsippany Rescue and Recovery were on stand by. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 6 was on stand by.

Target is out, Amazon in as Toys R Us Fulfillment Partner

Frank L. Cahill
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Target is out, Amazon in as Toys R Us Fulfillment Partner

PARSIPPANY — Toys”R”Us® has ended an e-commerce partnership with Target launched ten months ago in favor of fulfillment through Amazon.

Toys”R”Us is now using Amazon to power its eCommerce operations as it quietly ends its partnership with rival Target.

Toys”R”Us, corporate entity, Tru Kids, Inc., is headquartered at 5 Wood Hollow Road.

Mastrangelo Joins Trump Administration in Challenging Legality of Governor Murphy’s Election Free-for-All

Press Release
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Mastrangelo Joins Trump Administration in Challenging Legality of Governor Murphy’s Election Free-for-All

MORRIS COUNTY —  “Today we got just a taste of what Murphy’s illegal free-for-all election will mean to the legitimacy of this year’s general election. A Passaic County judge has ordered an expensive do-over in Paterson, our state’s third-largest city, a city that disenfranchised thousands of voters in May when 20 percent of mail-in ballots were ruled invalid and candidates were charged with fraud by the state Attorney General’s Office. Looking at the mayhem that happened in Paterson, only a knucklehead would force the entire state to vote by mail.

“The state constitution clearly states that general elections are to be scheduled the first Tuesday of November, and that date may only be altered by state law. The Governor, however, thinks the virus gives him near-unlimited powers to disregard the law and decide for himself when and how the state will conduct its elections. That is why today the Trump administration, along with the Republican National Committee and New Jersey State GOP, decided to sue the governor, a lawsuit I support, and am seeking to have the Morris County GOP join.

“Morris County has a duly elected and highly capable county clerk that is charged with overseeing our election process and ultimately certifying the results. In light of the legal challenges, I am asking the Clerk to prepare to hold in-person elections, with appropriate safeguards in place, to include the possibility of outdoor, staggered voting. I would personally work with our Clerk as well as the Secretary of State, who is responsible for elections, to ensure proper social distancing protocols are followed while not infringing on our fundamental right to vote. And for those who are at-risk or feel it’s unsafe, they may request an absentee ballot, a controlled, alternative way of voting by mail that already exists.

“Morris County can handle its own fair and open elections, in accordance with the law, and does not wish to be under the thumb of our would-be dictator. However, if the lawsuit should fail, I am going further and would ask the county clerk to refuse to certify the all-mail election, as the legality of the election would be in question as would the validity of the ballots.

“There are few rights as precious as the right to vote, an exercise in citizenship Americans hold in high regard. And here in Morris County, the Crossroads of the American Revolution, we especially value the franchise given the high costs that were paid to secure that right.”

Morris County Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo

Pennacchio Continues to Challenge Department of Health on Nursing Home COVID Response

Frank L. Cahill
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Pennacchio Continues to Challenge Department of Health on Nursing Home COVID Response

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio continued his efforts for more information on the policies and decisions that affected resident care at State-run long-term care facilities during the pandemic. In a follow-up letter (Click here) to New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, the Senator again sought answers from the state’s top health official.

“We keep asking questions but we don’t get answers. The Administration seems to find it easier to ignore inquiries than to face the harsh reality of what happened, and could happen again, in our nursing homes,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The victims and their families deserve answers. Seven thousand people died and nothing is being done. Why? Doesn’t anybody care?”

Pennacchio first wrote to the commissioner on May 13 and has yet to receive a written response to his concerns.

In the recent letter, Pennacchio said the chilling commentary heard by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee on August 13 made it clear the situation in the nursing homes may have been worse than first feared.

The testimony was “horrifying and heartbreaking,” Pennacchio wrote in his letter. “None of us are comfortable with the notion that elderly residents of state-run facilities may remain in jeopardy and vulnerable to another outbreak of coronavirus or some other dangerous pathogen.

“Public policy, especially when it involves the deaths of 7,000 of our seniors, demands transparency and public scrutiny,” Pennacchio’s letter concluded.

The full text of the letter is below:

August 20, 2020

Honorable Judith Persichilli
Commissioner, Department of Health
P.O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

Dear Commissioner Persichilli,

It has been three months since my letter requesting clarity on how deaths of long-term care facility residents and staff due to COVID-19 are accounted for on the state’s dashboard and in other reporting.

This letter is a follow up to that correspondence of May 13. We have never received the written response that was requested.

Today, I once again seek answers and clarification as the Legislature considers action to prevent any repeat of the calamity that has already taken the lives of 7,000 seniors trusted to the care of state the state’s long-term care facilities and veterans’ homes.

The testimony provided by witnesses during the joint meeting of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee was horrifying and heartbreaking.

As an elected legislator, my requests to you for information reflect the questions and concerns of thousands of New Jersey families who lost loved ones to this crisis or who want to ensure that the facilities are safe for the residents that remain.

None of us are comfortable with the notion that elderly residents of state-run facilities may remain in jeopardy and vulnerable to another outbreak of coronavirus or some other dangerous pathogen.

New Jersey state residents, many of whom were prohibited from visiting their loved ones while COVID-positive patients were quietly being introduced into unprepared and understaffed facilities.

The lack of transparency throughout the now five-month-long pandemic further contributes to the distrust and worry.

Please provide my office, on behalf of the residents of New Jersey, responses to the following:

1)      Provide clarification of how COVID deaths are calculated and attributed to LTC facilities.

2)      Explain why nursing home patients who contracted the virus in isolation and became so sick they required hospitalization and died were not included in nursing home totals.

3)      Did the State provide financial incentives to nursing homes to accept COVID patients into confined buildings full of medically fragile elderly residents?

4)   Clarify why a closed, confined space like prison was regarded as a danger to prisoners and a confined space in a nursing home, with a more frail and vulnerable population, was not.

5)   LTC staff who contracted the virus and died were not counted as LTC COVID casualties. Why not?

6)   Although the USS Comfort, the Javits Center, and other field hospitals were available, New Jersey chose not to use them. Why? Why didn’t New Jersey utilize their medical professionals?

This information will help me, as a legislator, to better understand the problems faced by health care workers and your department, and legislative options that could help save lives and ensure the health of our senior citizens.

Commissioner, public policy, especially when it involves the deaths of 7,000 of our seniors, demands transparency and public scrutiny. I would hope you agree. The question, of course, is when?

I look forward to and welcome your written response.

Sincerely,

Senator Joe Pennacchio
26th Legislative District

John Bruggeman – Acoustic Rock

Frank L. Cahill
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John Bruggeman – Acoustic Rock

JB Live from the Dungeon!

Posted by John Bruggeman – Acoustic Rock on Friday, August 21, 2020

 

Kiwanis Club Donates School Supplies to the Needy

Frank L. Cahill
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Kiwanis Club Donates School Supplies to the Needy

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Community Director Carol Tiesi, Kiwanis Club member Nicolas Limanov and President Frank Cahill visited Parsippany Health and Human Services and donated backpacks filled with school supplies. Each backpack is valued at $100.00.

Normally each year Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany members purchase and donate school supplies that are given to Health and Human Services to be distributed to families in need.  But due to COVID-19, and our meetings have been virtual so Ms. Tiesi decided to purchase the backpacks filled with supplies to keep up with the Kiwanis tradition.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest Kiwanis Club in the State of New Jersey with 80 members. 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 7:30 a.m. via Zoom. (Join us by clicking here). For more information click here.

Parsippany Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034. Phone: (973) 263-7163; Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

 

The AJ Choffo Sextet LIVE!

Frank L. Cahill
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The AJ Choffo Sextet LIVE!

Riverdale Coach Charged With Sexual Assault

Frank L. Cahill
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Riverdale Coach Charged With Sexual Assault

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Riverdale Police Department Chief Kevin Smith announce the arrest of Alejandro Almazan, 33, Pompton Lakes.

Almazan has been charged with two counts of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2b, crimes of the second degree; Endangering the Welfare of Children, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4a(1), a crime of the third degree; and Lewdness, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4b(1), a crime of the fourth degree.

It is alleged that on August 9, 2020, the 11-year-old female victim had a private soccer lesson with the defendant.

The defendant is known to the victim as he is her coach through the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association.

During the lesson, the defendant had the victim jog with him to a private area within Independence Field in Riverdale. During this time, the defendant contacted the child’s intimate body parts over her clothing.

The victim also disclosed that the defendant pulled up his shorts and exposed his penis to her.

Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Riverdale Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation of the matter. Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to call Det. Lydia Negron of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6213 or the Riverdale Police Department at (973) 835-0034.

Table of Hope to Conduct Food and School Backpack Distribution Event at CCM

Frank L. Cahill
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Table of Hope to Conduct Food and School Backpack Distribution Event at CCM

MORRIS COUNTY — Table of Hope, with the support of local officials and other organizations serving Morris County, will be holding another food distribution event at County College of Morris (CCM) on Saturday, August 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Parking Lot 1 on the CCM campus.

Along with distributing food, backpacks with school supplies will be available for children to help them start their year off strong. All Morris County residents are welcome to come for the distribution. Visitors are asked to use the college’s Dover Chester Road entrance. Face coverings are required for everyone who comes to campus.

Table of Hope Bus

The distribution will provide individuals and families with fresh produce, meat, dairy, canned goods, and other groceries. It will operate as a contactless drive-through event with cars stopping at different food stations categorized by food type where volunteers will place bags or boxes into automobile trunks. There also will be a station to distribute backpacks with school supplies. CCM hosted a similar event for Table of Hope this past June. Serving as volunteers and welcoming speakers at that event were New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, and Freeholders John Krickus and Stephen Shaw.

Shortly after COVID-19 struck, Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams, pastor of Bethel Church of Morristown, converted the Table of Hope bus that was used to pick up food so it could be utilized for mobile food distribution. Williams is the founder of the Spring Street Community Development Corporation that operates Table of Hope and other programs to improve the lives of individuals and families in Morris County.

Assisting Table of Hope with this latest distribution are Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, a CCM graduate, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and approximately 40 volunteers, including numerous CCM employees and students. Serving as sponsors are the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, Morris Habitat for Humanity, the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, Market Street Mission, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Pi Theta Omega Chapter, Valley Bank, and Alstede Farms.

“We are delighted to partner with CCM so that we can reach a greater number of Morris County residents,” said Williams.

“While the past five months have been difficult and challenging for so many, it’s also been so very heartwarming to see how the Morris County community has come together to help those in need,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “The CCM community is proud to call Morris County home. We’re delighted to partner once again with Table of Hope and Morris County’s Freeholders, Chamber of Commerce, Sherriff’s Office, and others to host this event, along with providing staff and students to serve as volunteers. As community organizations, we are all committed to doing all we can to strengthen the communities we serve.”

“Morris County is blessed to have folks who don’t hesitate to pull together when others are in need, during this time as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers,” said Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon. “I am honored and humbled to work with County College of Morris, its President Dr. Anthony Iacono, Table of Hope and Rev. Sidney Williams and his wife, Teresa, and the Morris County Board of Freeholders for a second time on easing the burden on families by providing food to them.”

“The great work being done by Table of Hope and other food pantries in Morris County has been exemplary,” said Morris County Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo, liaison to the county’s Human Services agencies. “Without their dedication, many people in our county, who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, would be hard-pressed to feed their families. We strongly back their efforts.”

In March, Table of Hope began operating weekly mobile food distribution programs in Morristown, Parsippany, and Dover, along with additional grocery supply events in other Morris County communities. Prior to COVID-19, its pantry in Morristown served about 65 people weekly. The number now being served each week at each mobile distribution event averages 500 to 600, reports Teresa Williams, executive director of the Spring Street Community Development Center. To date, more than 18,500 individuals and families have been helped and over 899,300 pounds of food has been distributed.

Table of Hope also operates a soup kitchen that during the pandemic has continued to provide dinners as take-out service.  Table of Hope receives food from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, local farms, and foodservice companies. To volunteer or make a donation, visit the Spring Street CDC by clicking here.

Along with Table of Hope, numerous other services are available to assist residents in Morris County’s 39 municipalities who are in need of food. A list of available food services, including food pantries, volunteer shopper organizations, meal delivery services, and take-out meal services click here.

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Snyder Murphy and Senator Anthony M. Bucco load up a car with groceries at the Table of Hope food distribution event held at County College of Morris in June.

 

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