PHHS’s Todd Ricker Part of NJSIAA COVID-19 Sports Task Force

Frank L. Cahill
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PHHS’s Todd Ricker Part of NJSIAA COVID-19 Sports Task Force

PARSIPPANY — NJSIAA has established the COVID-19 Sports Advisory Task Force, a group of athletic directors from across the state who will consider a wide range of sports-specific proposals and recommendations with a focus on implementing, executing and enforcing potential modifications. This announcement follows by one week the NJSIAA’s formation of its COVID-19 Medical Advisory Task Force, which will identify and implement both general and sports-specific modifications.

These two task forces will work independently, but communicate regularly and provide ongoing counsel to each other. Both will make recommendations to NJSIAA leadership, which will then work within governmental and NFHS (National Federation of High School Sport) guidelines to manage the safe return of high school sports in New Jersey.

The Sports Advisory Task Force will be chaired by Rutherford High School Athletic Director and former NJSIAA President Dave Frazier. It will also include Denis Nelson, River Dell High School athletic director; Kevin Murphy, Washington Township High School athletic director; Ryan Miller, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School athletic director;  Vito Chiaravalloti, Christian Brothers Academy athletic director; Dan Uszaki, Northern Burlington Regional High School athletic director; and Todd Ricker, Parsippany Hills High School athletic director.  Tom Mullahey, Clifton High School athletic director, will serve as the NJSIAA Executive Committee liaison, and Colleen Maguire, NJSIAA Director of Finance and Administration, will serve as the NJSIAA liaison.

“More than anyone else, athletic directors want to see a safe return to high school sports,” Frazier says. “But, we also clearly understand the significant challenges ahead.  I’m confident we’ll make tremendous progress and optimistic that we’ll see kids playing again before too long. But, it’s essential to manage expectations and prepare our student-athletes – as well as those who cheer them on – for the short-term changes that may be necessary.”

“Input from our peers will be essential as we try to navigate the various guidelines, the needs of our members’ schools, and the concerns of our student-athletes,” added Mullahey.

About the NJSIAA
Established in 1918, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization comprised of 436 accredited public, private, and parochial high schools. A member of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NJSIAA conducts tournaments and crowns champions in 32 sports. Championship competition for girls is sponsored in basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, and volleyball. Boys’ championships are determined in baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, fencing, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, outdoor track, winter track, volleyball, and wrestling.

Parsippany Community Update May 27, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update May 27, 2020

PARSIPPANY — The Internet is not a municipal utility, and the Township has no say in repairs or service. In discussions with Optimum and Verizon, they have indicated that the fastest way to get repairs done is by contacting their customer service departments. Internet Service Providers Customer Service Numbers:
Verizon FIOS: (800) 922-0204
Optimum: (866) 950-3278
Earthlink: (888) 327-8454
Viasat: (844) 299-1950
Hughesnet: (866) 641-8709

Letter to the Editor: Response to Chip Robinson

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

I write in response to my Democratic counterpart Chip Robinson’s knock on Senator Pennacchio attending the freedom rally in Pt. Pleasant on Sunday.  And I respond with respect as I like Chip a great deal!

I ask Chip and his fellow Morris County Democrats – where is the moral outrage at your Democratic Governor and his neglect of our elderly victims trapped inside nursing homes left to die? They were left alone without the comfort and grace of the family around them.  Our fatality rates in the state would be less than half of what’s reported if policies and attention were paid to the most vulnerable instead of forcing the healthy into perpetual house arrest.

This is not about the lack of ability to get a haircut or attend a ball game. To trivialize the freedom movement of business owners and families that want, and need, to go back to work is a travesty.

There are many more victims from this pandemic than those only stricken with the virus.  There are people who have no ability to provide food and shelter for their families because their jobs or businesses have been eliminated.

It will take several years to tally the total number of deaths, bankruptcies, layoffs, suicides, mental health problems, losses to the GDP, and other costs attributable not just to the virus, but to the measures used to fight it.

The failure of many Democrats across the county to understand this reality is perhaps the greatest reason why they are and will remain, the minority party in Morris County.

It’s time to right the ship.  It’s time to speak up and out and protect our liberty.  We are Americans.  We are eagles, not ostriches.  It’s time to soar.

Most respectfully,
Laura Marie Ali
Chairwoman of the Morris County Republican Committee

Barbarula Appointed Co-Finance Chair For MCRC

Frank L. Cahill
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Barbarula Appointed Co-Finance Chair For MCRC

PARSIPPANY — John Barbarula has been appointed to Co-Chair of the Finance Committee at Morris County Republican Committee (MCRC). He will be leading the Finance Committee with Craig Heard, the current MCRC Finance Chair, and help raise necessary funds to run the MCRC Campaign machine and operation.

John is a successful attorney owning a practice in Butler. He has been a Special County Counsel for 21 years. For 40 years he supported Republicans from Mayors to Senators in their campaigns

He is married for 35 years to his wife Joan and they have two grown children, Melanie and Michael.

“I am so grateful and excited that John has agreed to be Co-Finance Chair for MCRC. Shortly after his race for Assembly, he volunteered to help the party right away. His plan to unify Republicans went into motion when he hosted our first ‘Pasta and Politics’ event last August which was very successful. He’s a great person and an extremely smart man and we are lucky to have him!” said Acting Chair Laura Marie Ali.

Letter to the Editor: Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson: A Letter to Senator Pennacchio

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

I’m writing to express my strong disagreement with the decision of State Senator Joseph Pennacchio and others to hold a political rally down at the shore on Memorial Day. At the outset, it should be noted that I am a constituent of Senator Pennachio’s, and a Morris County resident, which is why my comments are directed at him specifically.

On what should be a day where we honor our fallen from wartime, and on a day when we should be remembering the nearly 100,000 who have died from the recent pandemic, including more than 10,000 in New Jersey, State Senator Pennachio was leading a partisan political rally against our Governor.

At the rally, some alleged that the 100,000 dead are “fake news” and that the numbers are overinflated. Since this crisis started, an acquaintance from my high school lost her husband, a friend of mine in the Michigan legislature died from the disease, another friend of mine lost her younger brother, and two friends of mine lost their fathers in nursing homes. Several of the victims were in their 40s. it is not fake news. These are real people who have lost their brothers, sisters, spouses, and parents from this virus.

The Governor and those who believe in science have no doubt seen the data, that 10% to 15% of those infected require hospitalization from their infection and that over 1% die after infection. In-state of 9 million, if slightly more than half the people got the COVID virus, that would mean 5 million infections, 500,000-750,000 hospitalizations in New Jersey alone, and 50,000 to 75,000 deaths in our state.

I am grateful that the Governor has taken the drastic actions that he has taken, as his actions have no doubt saved lives and are based upon the best available data and science that he and the rest of our state government have about the disease.

We absolutely must have a robust system of testing, contacting tracing the contacts of those who have test positive, with isolation and treatment for those with the disease. That’s what the epidemiologists and scientists tell us. It is clear that opening it up and pretending we are back to normal without the appropriate measures in place is a recipe for the mass spread of the virus and sadly mass death.

I appreciate the fact that businesses that are non-essential want to open and are hurting. But opening them before we are ready to do so will mean fewer customers if people don’t feel it is safe, and likely to lead to a second lockdown. I too want a haircut and want to go to a baseball game. But I’d rather have long scraggly hair than have someone lose their mother or their spouse because I accidentally gave them the virus at a barbershop or a baseball game.

At a time when the leadership from the White House has been slow, inept, inadequate, and guided by anything but science and data in dealing with this crisis, I am grateful to live in a state where science and math still rule the day.

Sincerely,
Chip Robinson
Chair, Morris County Democratic Committee

Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – May 19, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting – May 19, 2020

Click here to view the agenda.
Click here to view the budget that was introduced.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

PHS 2020 Choir Cabernet Concert to Premiere May 27 – 7:00 p.m.

Frank L. Cahill
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PHS 2020 Choir Cabernet Concert to Premiere May 27 – 7:00 p.m.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School 2020 Choir Cabernet Concert will Premiere Wednesday, May 27 – 7:00 p.m.

 

It’s official: In-person graduations can now take place

Frank L. Cahill
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It’s official: In-person graduations can now take place

MORRIS COUNTY — Reconsidering his ban on in-person graduation, Governor Phil Murphy finally decided to listen to New Jerseyans to allow in-person graduation ceremonies, albeit six weeks from now.

Assemblyman Jay Webber has been at the forefront of the “Let them walk” battle because he understands how important this milestone is for New Jersey’s high school seniors.

“It is good to see that Governor Murphy has arrived at the right answer on graduation ceremonies by finally reversing his irrational order against in-person graduations for our high school seniors,” said Webber (R-Morris). “Especially these days, when we all could use something to celebrate, high school graduations as we have come to know them can go on safely and the accomplishments of our state’s graduating classes can be recognized and honored appropriately.  In the process, so many of our 18-year-old citizens discovered that concerted public action – smartly, passionately and persuasively carried out – can achieve great things.  Our high school seniors deserve all the credit for fighting for this, which should make their unique graduation ceremonies even sweeter.”

However, Murphy’s seemingly arbitrary selection of July 6 for the start of the commencement season raised as many questions as it answered said, Webber.

“If ‘data determine dates,’ as the governor so often says, then he has failed to give any data to justify that July 6th is the right date for graduations,” continued Webber.  “It makes no sense.  Smart, properly spaced, in-person graduations can occur safely now, and should.  The governor can’t even let the kids walk without reminding everyone that his, and only his, preferences trump everything else.”

Public support for modified commencement ceremonies has been substantial.

Various online petitions to allow graduation ceremonies, including several started by students themselves, have amassed about 100,000 signatures.

A resolution (AR162) introduced by Assemblyman Jay Webber urging Governor Phil Murphy to allow high school graduation ceremonies garnered bipartisan support and sponsorship, including Assemblywomen Annette Chaparro (D-Hudson), Serena DiMaso (R-Monmouth), Aura Dunn (R-Morris), Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen) and Jean Stanfield (R-Burlington), and Assemblymen John Catalano (R-Ocean), John DiMaio (R-Hunterdon), Christopher DePhillips (R-Bergen), Jamel Holley (D-Union), Greg McGuckin (R-Ocean), Ryan Peters (R-Burlington), Erik Peterson (R-Hunterdon), Kevin J. Rooney (R-Bergen), Gerry Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth), and Hal Wirths (R-Sussex).

Letter to the editor: Soriano Set to Raise Taxes Over 6% during COVID-19 Pandemic

Letters to the Editor
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parsippany focusDear Editor:

While reading Parsippany Focus’ article on May 23rd titled “Parsippany Introduces 2020 Budget” and looking at the pages of the budget, Mayor Soriano is set to increase our taxes in a record amount of over 6%.

To make this even worse, Mr. Soriano is doing this while the COVID-19 pandemic leads to historic job losses an unemployment rate surges to 15.3%. This is according to the NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development as of today.

During election time, Mr. Soriano criticized other administrations for taking money from the sewer and water surplus in order to balance the budget. But, as I along with other members from our temple read the budget, Mr. Soriano is no different from the previous administrations that he was so vocal against.

It looks like Mr. Soriano is taking AT LEAST $2,100,000 from the sewer surplus and $450,000 from the water surplus. Even with going against what he said about taking surplus money from these accounts during election time, our taxes are set to increase like never before.

What is confusing about this article is that it says the “Township Council” voted to introduce the 2020 Township budget. With all the telephone calls, articles of mail that we received and in-person visits at our homes and at our houses of worship during election time, Mr. dePierro, Carifi, and Mrs. Gragnani all stressed how important it was to elect all three of them to the council otherwise Mr. Soriano was going to raise taxes, let alone over 6%.
We are hoping this is a misprint and that the people who promised us during election time will help protect us and vote against this massive record tax increase especially during a pandemic.

Please keep in mind that this is also at a time where Mr. Soriano is making the members of Lake Parsippany pay an assessment fee for living in the lake area even if you do not use it.
Where is Mr. Peluso, Mr. Valori, and Mr. Barberio during this critical tax hike? They were all, and some still are leaders of our community. Please don’t abandon us now because it’s not an election year. This is the time where every Parsippany resident needs your help.
Since the Council meetings are online and the people cannot appear in person and voice their frustration, we are recommending exactly what each of these Council people did and do to all of us during election time. So, please either email them, call the respective telephone numbers that were found on the internet or mail them a letter and ask them to explain why and how they can do this to us during unprecedented times.
Thank you.

1) Council President Mr. Mike dePierro, 5 Fernwood Place Parsippany, NJ 07054. 973-263-3333
2) Council Vice President Mrs. Loretta Gragnani, 11 Rhoda Ter., Parsippany NJ, 07054. 973-335-8796
3) Councilman Paul Carifi Jr., 35 Robin Hood Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. 973-993-9117
4) Councilwoman Janice McCarthy, 67 Jaime Court, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.
973-625-3916
5) Councilwoman Emily Peterson, 26 Old Parsippany Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. 718-501-3250
6) Mayor Michael Soriano, 8 Norman Avenue, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034. 973-541-9983

Riddhi Shah
Rajendra Patel
Lake Parsippany Residents

Memorial Day 2020 – Like No Other

Frank L. Cahill
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Memorial Day 2020 – Like No Other

PARSIPPANY — This year’s Memorial Day is unlike most of us have ever known, and hopefully unlike any of us will see again.

We are commemorating this solemn day dedicated to the people who gave their lives for American liberty at a time when our nation is facing the most destructive economic and social dislocation since the Great Depression of the 1930’s.

Like the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the coronavirus blindsided America with the psychological and economic impact of a military invasion We were caught off guard…all of us. But we did not crumble. We are fighting back, and we are winning.

Like the young soldiers who throughout our nation’s history went off to war to defend freedom, we have embraced sacrifice and suffered casualties during the pandemic. Today our front-line soldiers are nurses and doctors in hospitals and people working nursing homes. Our troops today include the people who keep our supermarkets open, maintain our food supply train, produce medicines, and educate our children.  They answered the call to duty, as we all have.

This response is no accident. The civic DNA of America stems from generations of soldiers, sailors, pilots, and nurses who put their lives on the line to fight tranny around the world. They believed their duty was not to themselves, but to their country and their countrymen. That DNA, that heroism that we commemorate on Memorial Day has been passed down to us today – and we all the better for it.

The spirit of Memorial Day lives with us this year, even if the traditional ceremonies are absent. There will be no parades, fewer ceremonies, and limited celebrations this year. Social distancing is the order of the day now. But no amount of distancing and precautions should cause us to forget to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We can honor them this Memorial Day by working together to defeat the viral enemy that has taken so many lives, destroyed businesses, and disrupted families.

And let us remember too that wars and sacrifice are not eternal. Just a few scant months ago the U.S. economy was booming; unemployment was at an all-time high; people were prospering, companies were hiring, wages were increasing and dreams were being realized.

We can get there again. We will get there again. Because the American Spirit cannot be defeated!

Enjoy Your Memorial Day
BettyLou DeCroce

Memorial Day Ceremony Streaming Online at 10:00 a.m.

Frank L. Cahill
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Memorial Day Ceremony Streaming Online at 10:00 a.m.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills hopes that everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather this Memorial Day Weekend. Be sure to join at 10:00 a.m. (May 25) as we share our Memorial Day Celebration & Commemoration.

You can view the live stream here or you can also tune in to Public Access Channel 21, Facebook, or YouTube to be part of this important tradition. Live streams will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will run every hour on the hour on public access television.

Here in Parsippany, we are proud to continue the tradition of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

Front Line Morris Has Meals Available To Anyone In Need

Frank L. Cahill
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Front Line Morris Has Meals Available To Anyone In Need

PARSIPPANY — Front Line Morris has available 200 dinners available and over 250 lunches to be given out to anyone that needs lunch or hot dinner for Memorial Day. The meals were donated by Randy Grieco from Sterling Affairs Catering and Events.

The meals are available on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day), from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pick up the meals at Par-Troy Little League East, located at 10 Eileen Court (Off Vail Road)  Proceed behind Northvail School and up the hill, to the parking lot at the Little League. You can either park in the lot or drive down the hill to the concession stand for pickup.

Drew University Hosts Virtual Commencement

Frank L. Cahill
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Drew University Hosts Virtual Commencement

MADISON — Drew University held a virtual Commencement ceremony full of Drew pride to send off the Class of 2020.

More than 1,000 people checked in throughout the event, watching the live stream or viewing in one of several watch parties, and filled the live chat with congratulations, emojis, and plenty of exclamation points.

President MaryAnn Baenninger began the festivities via Zoom before giving way to recorded greetings and speeches from Javier Viera, vice provost and dean of the Theological School, William W. Landis III C’85, chair of the Board of Trustees and Debra Liebowitz, Provost & Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies.

Student speakers Pooja Manhas C’20, Jessica Brandt G’20, and Ama Aidoo T’20—representing each of Drew’s three schools—delivered spirited addresses to their classmates.

Provost Liebowitz encouraged virtual cheers. The Forest heard, and responded. President Baenninger honored the 2020 Teachers of the Year, Brianne Barker (CLA), Kathie Brown (Theological School), and Kristen Turner (Caspersen).

Following a symbolic conferral of degrees, a full roster of graduating students scrolled up the screen as faculty and staff offered shoutouts and words of congratulations, inspiration, and gratitude.

Speeches from Madison Mayor Robert Conley, Board of Trustees member Michelle Hampton C’85 and Bishop John R. Schol gave way to a celebratory tossing of confetti and playing of the alma mater to close out the ceremony.

Sunrise Movement Morris County Endorses Charlie Baranski

Frank L. Cahill
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Sunrise Movement Morris County Endorses Charlie Baranski

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County hub of the national Sunrise Movement has thrown its support behind Charlie Baranski’s campaign for Morris County Freeholder. “We know first hand that Charlie is ready to fight for all of us in Morris County on the freeholder board. Charlie understands that climate change is affecting and will continue to affect every aspect of society. He is committed to bringing bold progressive change to our county and always puts people over profits.” said its members in a statement endorsing Baranski.

“Morris County and Northern New Jersey is an epicenter of the climate crisis,” said Baranski in accepting the endorsement and outlining his environmental priorities. “Our waters and natural resources are suffering, and warmer summers have poisoned Lake Hopatcong, driven up our flood and fire insurance costs, and made it more expensive just to live as we always have. As we prepare for more extreme heat this summer, we need to vote for a genuine climate champion who can stand up for Morris County residents and resources against those who seek to develop or sell off our county parks, or discount the destructive effect the climate crisis has on our residents.”

Sunrise’s endorsement is their first in a county-level race in Morris County and the first of any environmental group in the July 7th Democratic primary for Freeholder. You can learn more about Mr. Baranski’s campaign by clicking here.

Mr. Baranski helped to found the Morris County hub last year and remains a member. He fully recused himself from the whole of the endorsement process, as did hub coordinator Ms. Samantha DiFalco, who holds a position on Mr. Baranski’s campaign.

Front Line Morris and Bednar Landscaping Cleans Pool at St. Peters

Frank L. Cahill
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Front Line Morris and Bednar Landscaping Cleans Pool at St. Peters

MORRIS COUNTY — Rob Zwigard and Teddy Stanziale, volunteers from Front Line Morris, along with Bednar Landscape Services, Inc. worked very diligently in cleaning up the pool and tuning the filter at St. Peters Orphanage.

The pool hasn’t been open for the adolescent boys for the past few years due to a lack of maintenance of the pool and surrounding area.

Front Line Morris is looking for additional volunteers to help in the final steps of getting the area in shape for the summer months. If you are interested in participating in this or other Front Line Morris volunteer opportunities please email Stanziale01@gmail.com.

To donate to Front Line Morris GoFundMe fundraiser, click here.

St. Peter’s Orphanage is located at 170 Diamond Spring Rd, Denville.  (973) 627-0212.

St. Peter’s Orphanage is a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys, whose parents, for a variety of reasons are unable to care for them. Their boys have mild to moderate emotional, behavioral or social problems Although St. Peters is a residential facility, they work very hard to assure our residents an atmosphere that is truly non-institutional, and more like a large family.

St. Peter’s Orphanage is always looking for donations. Donation Line proudly accepts vehicle donations for St Peter’s Orphanage. We have towing agents in all areas of the United States ready to pickup your car donation ASAP. Non-Running, junk, and salvage cars are also accepted. In addition to auto donations we accept donations of boats, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles, planes, and real estate. Click here for more information.

There are many volunteer opportunities for schools, businesses, community organizations, and individuals at St. Peter’s Orphanage. The residence is set on nine acres and houses more than sixteen young men so they can always use landscaping assistance and contracting type maintenance/upgrades in the plumbing, painting, electrical, heating/cooling, and carpentry areas. Community organizations/groups and schools can volunteer time with grounds clean up, smaller-scale on-site projects, fundraising for specific needs related to the residents (e.g., camping/sporting equipment, clothing or furniture, etc.). Corporate sponsorship is another way local, state, and national/international business can improve both the quality of life for these young men and the facility they live in.

St. Peter’s Orphanage also has a wish list that can be ordered directly from Amazon. Click here for more details.

Parsippany Introduces 2020 Budget

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Introduces 2020 Budget

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council voted to introduce the 2020 Township Budget, on Tuesday, May 19. The final budget will be voted during the June 16, 2020 (rescheduled) Township Council meeting.

Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic Council Meetings will be held via a web conferencing program named ZoHo.  This program will allow the public to listen to the meeting and to participate during the public portion session only.

Please be advised that in order for a member of the public to participate they must fill out the registration information using their real name and address, anyone not using their real name and address will not be allowed to speak during the public portion.  (Note: Parsippany Focus will update this article with the link to access the meeting)

Click here to download a copy of the 2020 Introduced Budget.

Senate Accepts Pennacchio Call for Special Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Crisis

Frank L. Cahill
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Senate Accepts Pennacchio Call for Special Committee to Investigate COVID-19 Crisis

MORRIS COUNTY — State Senator Joe Pennacchio thanked Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. for allowing the formation of a special committee to investigate the state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Pennacchio released the following statement:

“I echoed the same concerns and desires articulated by the Senate President and Republican Leader Kean in today’s announcement. The focus of our committee must be a factual review of what has happened to date, what should not have happened, and how we can make it better going into the future.

“I would hope the Senate would vote to form this committee, with subpoena powers, as soon as possible. I would also hope the committee, like Governor Murphy, will hold its meetings in Trenton, in the People’s House, for all to see.

“The special committee must be able to work in real-time to share its concerns and determine how we can open up our economy and return to normalcy. It must determine how we can better safeguard the lives of our most vulnerable citizens living in long term nursing facilities.

“To that end, I stand prepared to begin work and I challenge the Senate to construct and enable this committee as soon as possible.

“On behalf of the citizens of New Jersey who want answers, I thank the Senators Sweeney and Kean for their leadership.”

CCM to Conduct Online Commencement Ceremony to Honor the Class of 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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CCM to Conduct Online Commencement Ceremony to Honor the Class of 2020

MORRIS COUNTY — Since County College of Morris (CCM) is not able to hold an in-person commencement ceremony this year, the college will provide the Class of 2020 with a virtual celebration Friday, June 12, at 7:00 p.m. on YouTube.

This year’s commencement was originally scheduled for Friday, May 22, but with the college’s move to a remote teaching and learning environment and the extension of the Spring Semester, the date has been moved to June. More than 1,200 students will receive degrees or certificates this year.

The video will be available on the CCM Class of 2020 website by clicking here.

Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., an impact investor and practical theologian with more than 30+ years of experience in corporate and community development, will serve as the keynote speaker. Prior to becoming a minister, he worked on Wall Street where he developed a successful track record for managing the research, analysis, and development of sustainable business models for new products and services; participated in over $10 billion in public equity and debt offerings, acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, and intellectual property licensing; and worked for first-tier investment banks.

Williams has pastored churches in Cape Town, South Africa, and trained pastors and served as a missionary on three continents. He currently serves as the senior pastor of Bethel Church of Morristown and has guided the development of the Spring Street Community Development Corporation to improve the quality of life for Morris County families. Programs operated through the community development corporation include Table of Hope, which serves meals five days a week, offers a food pantry and operates a mobile food delivery service, all at no cost; the SOAR program to provide middle and high school students with a pathway to college; and the New Life Recovery & Reentry Program to support those suffering from addictions. He is the author of two books, Morning Meditations: 100 Days to Believing You’re Successful and Fishing Differently: Ministry Formation in the Marketplace.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University, Williams earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and then a Masters of Divinity from the Wesley Theological Seminary. In 2018, he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Payne Theological Seminary. Like many CCM students, he was the first in his family to graduate from college.

The commencement ceremony will be led by Faculty Grand Marshal Laura Gabrielsen and will feature remarks from President Anthony J. Iacono, who will highlight several outstanding graduates from the Class of 2020. Also providing remarks will be Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith and a member of the CCM Board of Trustees. Serving as the speaker from the Class of 2020 will be Emma Mendoza, president of the Student Government Association during Academic Year 2019-20, who was named to the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa New Jersey All-State Academic Team for her academic excellence. In addition, the 2020 Peace Prize (www.ccm.edu/peace-prize/) will be presented by Professor Laura Driver. A listing of the names of graduates also will be provided, along with the conferral of degrees and certificates and video tributes for each of the academic schools.

To mark the celebration, CCM has developed a lawn sign families can have printed to recognize the accomplishments of their graduate, noting that the Class of 2020 is “Virtually the Greatest Class of All Time.” That can be downloaded by clicking here. Also housed on the website are Zoom backgrounds of the campus that graduates, their families, and friends can use for virtual celebrations. In addition, the college is asking graduates to post photos on its Instagram account,www.instagram.com/ccm_nj, using the hashtag #CCMGrad2020.

The YouTube Class of 2020 video will remain available for viewing following the premiere airing on June 12.

Recreation Summer Playground Programs Canceled

Frank L. Cahill
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Recreation Summer Playground Programs Canceled

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Parks and Recreation has announced that all summer playground programs – Tot Time, Half Day Playground and All Day Playground are cancelled this summer.

This decision was not easy to make, but ultimately had to be because the safety of the children, staff and their families must be paramount.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 public health guidelines and restrictions issued by the CDC prevent us from operating these programs in the way that our children deserve – a fun, engaging, social and interactive experience.

For those of you that already registered and pre-paid, refunds will start being issued as soon as possible. Please be patient with us as we work to get everyone refunded.

Parsippany Community Update May 22, 2020

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Community Update May 22, 2020

PARSIPPANY — Nearly 50,000 COVID-19 related scams have been reported to the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network, and almost 1,400 in New Jersey alone.

• Don’t respond to texts, emails or calls about checks from the government.
• Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There are no products proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 at this time.
• Be wary of ads for test kits. The FDA recently announced approval for one home test kit, which requires a doctor’s order. But most test kits being advertised have not been approved by the FDA, and aren’t necessarily accurate.
• Hang up on robocalls. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from low-priced health insurance to work-at-home schemes.
• Watch for emails claiming to be from the CDC or WHO. Use sites like coronavirus.gov and usa.gov/coronavirus to get the latest information. And don’t click on links from sources you don’t know.
• Do your homework when it comes to donations. Never donate in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money. For more information click here.

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