MORRIS COUNTY — More older adults and individuals with disabilities in New Jersey are now eligible to save on prescription drug prices, Medicaid premiums, hearing aids, utilities, and other household expenses using the NJSave application, thanks to an increase in income eligibility requirements.

Eligible residents can apply for these savings using the NJSave online application. This single application allows the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) – which administers a wide range of state and federal direct assistance programs – to screen and enroll applicants in multiple programs. NJSave paper applications are available upon request.

Recent legislation and funding in Governor Phil Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget expanded income eligibility limits by up to $10,000 for some of these programs to make them more accessible for a larger number of residents.

“By expanding income eligibility for prescription drug assistance, hearing aid assistance, and utility assistance programs for older adults, we are delivering much-needed relief to families throughout our state,” said Governor Murphy. “No one should have to face the difficult choice to skip or ration their medications, and this program expansion makes a real difference in the lives of New Jerseyans as we continue to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible.”

NJSave will screen and enroll eligible residents into the following health care and prescription drug assistance programs:

• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
• Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
• Medicare Savings Programs 
• Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)

“Expanding the income eligibility for these programs means more people in need of support can apply for these savings. We encourage anyone who thinks they are eligible, or knows someone who may be eligible,  click here to learn more about the different assistance programs available,” said New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.

The PAAD and Senior Gold programs are available to residents 65 and older and those with disabilities. The PAAD program income limits are now $52,142 for a single and $59,209 for a couple. The Senior Gold Prescription Discount program limits are now $62,142 if single and $69,209 if married. Assets are not considered in determining eligibility for either program. PAAD cuts drug prices to $5 for covered generic drugs and $7 for covered name brands. Senior Gold co-pay is $15.00 plus 50% of the remaining cost for covered prescriptions.

Income limits for the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD), and the Lifeline Utility Assistance program – which offsets the costs of gas and electric expenses – also increased by $10,000, as those programs are tied to PAAD.

DHS also will reimburse new enrollees for the amount of money they paid for prescription drugs purchased 30 days before they submitted a complete PAAD and Senior Gold application. Documentation of the purchase would need to be provided to the Department for approval.

The NJSave application also screens applicants for these programs that help middle- to low-income families save on common household expenses:

• Universal Service Fund (USF)
• Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Eligible individuals can apply now through the NJSave online application, by downloading an application from the NJSave webpage, by texting NJSAVE to 844-755-3803 to receive a link to the application, or by asking for a paper application by calling 1-866-NJSAVE-5.

Online and paper applications are available in English and Spanish.

DHS also is raising awareness of the NJSave application and connected programs by implementing a Senior Save Navigator Program that will provide outreach, education, and one-to-one application assistance for older adults and individuals with disabilities, particularly among underserved and hard-to-reach populations.

In addition, the Department launched a statewide advertising campaign in March to promote the benefits of the NJSave application. The campaign includes radio and television ads, ads on NJTransit buses and bus shelters, billboards, and notices at hospitals and pharmacies.

“By raising awareness about the resourcefulness of the NJSave application and increasing application assistance, we hope more people will apply so they can start saving,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. 

For more information about NJSave or other programs made available through DHS, visit them online by clicking here.

PARSIPPANY — The new Chick-fil-A located at 1180 Route 46 officially opened on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 a.m.

Excited patrons eagerly lined up, anticipating the scrumptious breakfast offerings from Chick-fil-A.

The new building is 5,338 square feet with 62 interior seats and 18 exterior seating. 81 total parking spaces, and eight electric charging stations. In addition, the drive-through will consist of two lanes with enough room to stack about 60 cars in each lane.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio said “This is a great company that always gives back, and Charlie Atie is a great, caring guy. I know they will be a great community partner with Parsippany. I wish you much success!”

Store owner-operator Charlie Atie is a former police chief for Prospect Park. He said he looks forward to becoming part of the Parsippany community by providing space for events, supporting local sports teams, and bringing people together.

“Chick-fil-A serves not only food, but it is also a place of community and belonging,” Atie said. “Great food brings people together, and I look forward to providing a space where our guests can foster meaningful connections.”

“Chick-fil-A Parsippany will be an integral part of my family, and I look forward to welcoming our team members, guests, and the Parsippany community as one of our own,” he said. “This isn’t just my restaurant – it belongs to the community as well.”

Addressing the crowd of 100 invited guests to the private grand opening, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill said “Chick-fil-A, holding the title of the largest quick-service chicken family-owned and operated restaurant chain in the United States, boasts over 2,000 locations across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Chick-fil-A in Parsippany. With its arrival, we anticipate enjoying its renowned fare and foreseeing increased job opportunities and economic prosperity for our community.  It’s bound to be a resounding success in Parsippany!”

The project had been underway for several years. Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, acquired the property in 2020. Originally comprising three outdated office buildings, the property was initially put up for sale in 2016. Dr. Maheta envisioned enhancing the area’s image and attracting a renowned tenant, ultimately securing Chick-fil-A for the location.

Dr. Maheta’s presence in Parsippany is a significant addition, bringing projects that contribute to increased revenue, huge ratables, expanded employment opportunities, and solid property tax revenues.

This property was in a state of decline and desperately needed revitalization. With only 30% occupancy and a troubling history including six robberies in the past three years, it had become a hotspot for illicit activities, with evidence of drug abuse occurring on-site during nighttime hours. It had become a blight on the area.

The property could have been developed with a 24-7, 365-day Wawa or QuickChek, however, Dr. Maheta chose Chick-fil-A since it wasn’t a 24-7, 365-day business, and is also closed on Sunday. 

“I would like to thank all the board members who supported the Chick-fil-A application. I also would like to Thank Chairman Robert Iracane for thinking out of the box and having the vision for the last 27 years to understand the need to improve our community.  Thank you to all Township representatives and Joe O’Neill, Robert Garofalo’s attorney, and people who supported the project,” stated Maheta.

Chick-fil-A has established its presence across New Jersey, with a location conveniently situated just beyond Parsippany in the Briarcliff Commons shopping center in Morris Plains. Renowned for its delectable offerings such as chicken sandwiches, nuggets, tenders, salads, waffle fries, and milkshakes, the chain continues to captivate customers with its delicious menu options.

In celebration of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts of Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a Feeding America partner food bank, in honor of the new restaurant.

PARSIPPANY — Safelite Auto Glass has been granted approval by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Minor Site Plan & Subdivision Committee Planning Board to establish its presence at 200 Route 46.

Presently situated at 219 Changebridge Road, Montville, Safelite will transition to its new location. With over 70 years of industry expertise, Safelite is a trusted name in auto glass services. Originating from a solitary establishment in Wichita, Kansas in 1947, Safelite has expanded to become the largest auto glass specialist company in the United States, boasting over 850 locations nationwide.

PARSIPPANY — Nestled in Lake Hiawatha, this comprehensive pet salon sits behind Gene’s Deli at 87 North Beverwyck Road, close to the Chesapeake Avenue junction.

On Saturday, April 20, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio warmly greeted Eric and Evee Zimmerman, the proud owners, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Chairman Frank Cahill, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Secretary Raj Dichpally were among the guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Also present were owner Erick Zimmermann, accompanied by his lead groomer, Evee Huaman, along with residents, friends, and their families.

The first of its kind in the area, Wash-N-Wag offers both professional and self-wash options for your pets. It prides itself on providing a convenient and accessible schedule for clients to wash their pets at their own time, pace, and comfort. They offer self-wash clients access to all of the professional-grade grooming equipment and supplies needed to make your pet look their best.

Additionally, Wash-N-Wag offers professional grooming services. Lead Groomer Evee takes her time to make sure that the pets she grooms feel pampered and cared for. Specializing in dog behavior training and grooming, Evee is excited to offer her professionalism and services to the new shop.

Erick Zimmermann lends his expertise with over 10 years of experience in the pet trade as a shop owner and local pet supply manufacturer. At Wash-N-Wag, you can explore the shop and find the small hand-curated assortment of offerings. 

Zimmermann hopes that his shop gives residents affordable and local access to high-quality supplies at fair prices. Along with premium brands, the shop features locally-made treats and supplies. Wash-N-Wag carries a full line of premium shampoos, grooming tools, foods, treats, interactive toys, enrichment aids, and daily supplies.

Since moving to Parsippany in 1992, Erick has always wanted to open up a shop in Lake Hiawatha. He is excited to join the other local businesses on the North Beverwyck and offer his unique blend of services to the residents.

The establishment provides professional bathing services and self-wash options, including de-shedding, nail trims, teeth brushing, and fur brush-outs. Additionally, they retail a diverse range of pet supplies, catering to reptiles, hermit crabs, birds, cats, and dogs.

Wash-N-Wag operates from Tuesday to Saturday, with hours from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are closed on Mondays. For self-wash customers, checking in at least an hour before closing time is advised, with no appointment necessary.

PARSIPPANY — In a demonstration of its unwavering dedication to community involvement and member satisfaction, Garden Savings Federal Credit Union enthusiastically participated in the “Staples Small Business Showcase” hosted at the Parsippany location.

With a steadfast commitment to enhancing member experiences, Garden Savings Federal Credit Union eagerly seized the opportunity to exhibit its extensive array of financial solutions during this event on Thursday, April 25. From cutting-edge banking products to meticulously crafted lending services, the credit union proudly showcased its comprehensive offerings tailored to meet the unique requirements of local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Moreover, Garden Savings Federal Credit Union’s active participation in the “Staples Small Business Showcase” was made possible through a strategic partnership with the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. This collaboration further underscored the event’s significance as an exclusive opportunity for members. By leveraging this collaborative platform, the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to fostering local partnerships and empowering small businesses to flourish not only in the Parsippany community but also beyond its borders.

In an additional heartwarming note, PJ Parise had the exceptional opportunity to join his mother, Stephanie, during “Take Your Child to Work Day,” further emphasizing the credit union’s dedication to family values and community involvement. Stephanie is the branch manager of the Parsippany located at 129 Littleton Road.

Garden Savings Federal Credit Union currently has branches located in Parsippany, Dover, Newark, and South Orange.

For more information on “Staples Small Business Showcase” contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, by calling (973) 559-6000.