Detective Paul Papamarkos delivers donation check to Michele Oswald, Program Director at Table of Hope
MORRIS COUNTY — Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will be participating in two programs, organized to collect and distribute backpacks filled with various school supplies to those in need. The first event, the Backpack Giveaway organized by Table of Hope, is scheduled for August 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot of The County College of Morris; and the second event, the Community Book-Bag Giveaway organized by Bethsaida Chapter 7, is on August 27
from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Bishop Nazery Way parking lot, located at 65 Spring Street, Morristown.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Police Benevolent Association Local #327 has graciously donated twenty backpacks and school supplies for both events, and made financial donations to both organizations to assist with their efforts.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “Members of our office consistently demonstrate acts of kindness and consideration for others, setting an example for all to follow.”
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued a statewide drought watch as of August 9, 2022, and the Murphy Administration is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state.
Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state.
The Commissioner’s declaration of a drought watch is the first stage in the State’s three-stage drought advisory system. The watch is intended to sow public awareness and appreciation of the stress upon water supply sources and encourage voluntary water conservation measures.
If conditions do not improve, declaration of a drought warning or a drought emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary. Voluntary conservation measures at the watch stage can help to avoid more serious and restrictive drought conditions.
The DEP is continuing to closely monitor drought indicators, which include precipitation, stream flows, reservoir levels, ground water levels, and water demand. DEP will continue to inform the public, local governments, and water systems of future actions to mitigate the risk of more severe conditions.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Morris County Deputy Commissioner John Kirckus, Morris County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo, Frank Cahill, Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani congratulate Frank Cahill upon receiving the grant from Morris County Commissioners for financial support of $15,000 for the Programming of an app to bring all Morris County businesses together. This grant was through the Morris County Small Business Grant Program in cooperation with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
MORRIS COUNTY — A new, free Morris County small business app was officially launched in Parsippany Township today by Zoomus Marketing, which simultaneously received at $15,000 grant under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program.
Cahill at the podium explaining how his MORRIS NOW app works. With him (l-r) were Commissioners Krickus, Mastrangelo and Shaw
“After doing much research, today I am releasing a new app available on Google Play and Apple Store called MORRIS NOW,” said Frank Cahill, owner of Zoomus. “MORRIS NOW connects the local businesses in Morris County with over 500,000 residents. Residents can download the App from Google Play or the Apple Store absolutely free,” he added.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the offices of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce at 90 East Halsey Road. Among those who attended were members of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Jamie Barberio, Council President Michael dePierro, Vice President Loretta Gragnani and Councilman Justin Musella.
Councilman Justin Musella congratulates Frank Cahill
Mayor Barberio praised Cahill for creating the Morris Now app, noting Cahill has been dedicated to improving business in Parsippany in his other roles as Publisher of Parsippany Focus and Morris Focus, Executive Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee.
“I’m really glad I’ve gotten to know Frank because, when I tell you he’s really committed to economic development in Parsippany, he’s truly committed and this is a perfect example of it. Thank you for your commitment to Parsippany,” the Mayor said.
Cahill and the Commissioners were joined in the announcement by (to the left) Parsippany Councilman Musella and Mayor Barberio, and to the far right, Parsippany Council President Michael dePierro and Vice President Loretta Gragnani
Morris County Deputy Commissioner John Krickus and Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo and Stephen Shaw simultaneously announced that Zoomus and Cahill had qualified for $15,000 under the Morris County Small Business Grant Program, which is designed to assist small businesses who are still impacted by the pandemic to meet specific expenses incurred after March 3, 2022.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani and Frank Cahill discuss the new app, MORRIS NOW
“I’m a small businessman, so I have seen first-hand what small business have been up against,” said Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo. “One thing about these grants, and I’ve spoken to some small businesses in my town that have got them, it’s given them hope and it’s given them a sense to go out and compete a little bit. Part of what these grants have done has been put a little more fuel in their engines, it’s given them a shot in the arm and helped them not to quit.”
Deputy Director Krickus noted that the program already has approved more than 600 applications for grants filed by small businesses and nonprofits.
“Since our launch in February in Dover, more than 600 Morris County small businesses have taken advantage of this program to help them recover and expand,” Krickus said.
“It’s been a tremendous asset to our businesses,” added Commissioner Shaw, urging more businesses to apply quickly. “We’re down, out of our whole pool of $10 million, to about $1.3 million and we are going to close the applications September 30.”
Chris Williams, Senior Constituent Services Represent for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill presented Cahill with a certificate celebrating the launch of the new application is support of the Morris County Business CommunityChris Williams, Senior Constituent Services Represent for Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill presented Cahill with a certificate celebrating the launch of the new application is support of the Morris County Business CommunityCutting a celebratory cake at the event, with Cahill, was former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, a local small business owner. Paul DeGroot looks on, and Boonton Restaurant owner Mickey Chopra, i2i also looks on
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert J. Peluso, Parsippany Economic Development Co-Chair Dr. Bhagirath Maheta and Ed Ramirez, Morris County Economic Development Corp. Director of Business Resources, also spoke at the event, praising the small grant program and Cahill’s vision in developing the MORRIS NOW app.
Ed Ramirez, Morris County Economic Development Corp. Director of Business Resources
The MORRIS NOW app combines, shopping, area events, local news, weather, neighborhood chats and local classifieds all in one place. Local businesses may use it to promote deals and specials.
“Push messaging direct to customers. Powerful Bluetooth proximity marketing. The beacon pushes the businesses promotions to the passing customer devices with the app. The app also allows promotions and links. The app also includes in-depth promotional analytics. The app also sends out a “happy birthday message” automatically to the businesses customers,” said Cahill.
Apply Now For a Morris County Small Business Grant by clicking here. Remember the deadline is September 30.
Frank Cahill announced the release of the app, “MORRIS NOW”
The Morris County Small Grant Program was the brainchild of the Morris County Commissioners, as they developed a unique use of funds issued to the county through the American Rescue Plan Act. Federal guidelines only allow Morris County to apply the dollars to pandemic related expenses incurred during and after March 2021.
There is NO COST to apply.
Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage and which applications may be approved. The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant.
Boonton reopens Pepe Field After Two-Year, $515,000 Makeover
TOWN OF BOONTON — Pepe Field Playground and Basketball Court reopened during a Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 10. The celebration was attended by many local officials and more than 100 residents who live near the three-acre park at the end of Wootton Street and in Upper Boonton. The three-acre Pepe Field was a Superfund site. Today, the site, formerly a city eyesore, provides field space for residents of Boonton to enjoy.
The celebration opened with a performance by Boonton Harmony Senior Drum Corps. Seeing a crowd of anxious kids gathering at the gate, Richard J. Corcoran III delivered an opening speech and then a ribbon-cutting celebration. Corcoran said “The total project cost $515,000; $425,000 for the playground, $80,000 for the baseball field and $10,000 engineering fees.
The playground includes a double slide for racing and a spiral tube slide, multiple shade canopies, a merry-go-all, cantana chimes, and concert duo drums. The entire surfar is multi-colored sponge-like matting to cushion any falls with enclosed chain link fence.
The basketball court was completely replaced, as the crumbling old surface could no longer be repaired.
“It had been closed for the pandemic,” said Town Council member Marie Devenezia. “It was reopened but then closed in 2020 because the existing equipment had become very dilapidated. There was a lot of broken equipment and things that were deemed to be unsafe to play on were removed.”
Pepe Park was reopened during a Ribbon Cutting ceremony
“It’s been a four-year journey for some of us,” he said. “Please use it, enjoy it and be respectful,” said Mayor Richard J. Corcoran III.
“Today our Town Council hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening of the new Pepe Field Playground and Basketball Court. Thank you to all that invested time and energy into putting this project into place, including our Boonton Recreation, Department of Public Works, our Town Engineers, Town Administration and others. I was happy to celebrate along with my colleagues on the Council, James Gannon for Sheriff, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Daniel “Zeke” Balan, Boonton Harmony Drum Corps and many other friends,” said Boonton Council Member Ward 3 Joseph E. Bock, Jr.
Pepe Park was reopened during a Ribbon Cutting ceremonyPepe Park was reopened during a Ribbon Cutting ceremonyPepe Park was reopened during a Ribbon Cutting ceremonyTracy Gallo Pryer, Chris Williams, Senior Constituent Services Representative and Grants Manager, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s Office and Mayor Richard J. Corcoran IIIThe Eleventh Congressional District of New Jersey celebrates the Town of Boonton upon the occasion of the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Pepe Field PlaygroundAssemblywoman Aura Dunn talks with Boonton Council Member Ward 3 Joseph E. Bock, Jr. Morris County Sheriff James Gannon looks in the background.
E.F. Drew Company used the three-acre Pepe Field Superfund site as a landfill for almost 30 years. From the 1920s until 1950, the company disposed of unknown quantities of processing waste from oil and cleaning product manufacturing. The site remained vacant until the Town of Boonton purchased the property in the mid-1960s for recreational purposes. The Town covered the site with soil and built recreational amenities. However, because of the biological decay of waste material beneath the field, strong toxic odors affected the site. In 1969, Boonton closed the recreational facility for many years. In 1983, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) and began cleanup activities at the site. These activities included leachate collection and treatment, and stabilization and removal of wastes. Workers also installed a landfill gas collection and treatment system. The cleanup activities included measures to restore the recreational amenities of the park. The on-site recreational facility, restored and reopened in 2000, includes a little league field, walking paths, a playground, a basketball court, gazebo and concession stand. EPA also transferred ownership of an adjacent residential property from the federal government to the Town of Boonton for use in conjunction with the park. In 2003, EPA deleted the site from the NPL.
The celebration opened with a performance by Boonton Harmony Senior Drum CorpsThe celebration opened with a performance by Boonton Harmony Senior Drum CorpsThe celebration opened with a performance by Boonton Harmony Senior Drum Corps
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio urged all New Jerseyans to join him in recognizing and celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian independence on Monday, August 15.
“We would like to congratulate India as it celebrates 75 years of independence from colonial rule,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “We welcome our friendly relations with India, its support for democracy, and the role the nation has taken in urging peaceful solutions to conflict on the world stage.”
India became an independent nation on August 15, 1947 through the passage of the Indian Independence Act by the British Parliament.
Pennacchio said that India, with 1.4 billion people, is the world’s largest democracy and deserves the opportunity to play a greater role in the most important matters of international peace and security.
“As the world’s largest democracy and soon to be its most populous nation, India deserves a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council table,” said Pennacchio. “The occasion of India’s 75th anniversary of independence would be a great time to elevate the nation and recognize its increasingly important role in world affairs.”
The United Nations Security Council is currently composed of 15 members. The five permanent members include: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. There are also 10 non-permanent members, with non consecutive two-year terms, that are elected on a regional basis.
Pennacchio sponsors SR-31, a legislative resolution urging the United Nations to seat India as a permanent member on the United Nations Security Council.
“New Jersey has a vibrant and strong Indian community, which has given us a great opportunity to learn about the wonderful people and rich culture of India,” added Pennacchio. “We look forward to strengthening those ties during the 75th-anniversary celebration and beyond.”
Assemblyman Brian Bergen, center, is joined by West Point cadets from left to right, Sathvik Medapati, Nick Taverone, Molly Webber, and Tyler Catapano. They are completing their final leg of the cadet basic training at West Point Aug. 8, 2022. (Photo courtesy Brian Bergen)
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen joined the U.S. Military Academy’s class of 2026 Monday on its 12-mile predawn March Back, the final leg of their six-week basic training called “Beast.” The cadets disembarked at 4:00 a.m. from Lake Frederick to the academy, where they will be officially accepted into the Corps of Cadets August 13.
Bergen, a 2001 West Point graduate and Apache helicopter pilot who served in Iraq, joined 180 alumni in this annual tradition.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris) joined the class of 2026 West Point cadets on their march back from Lake Frederick to the U.S. Military Academy Aug. 8, 2022. (Photo courtesy Brian Bergen)
“The nostalgia of course was overwhelming. The experience I had during my cadet basic training shaped who I am today,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “The training is brutal and feels like it will never end while you’re in it, but it’s the bonds formed there that go on forever.”
Bergen marched back with cadets from his legislative district, Sathvik Medapati of Parsippany and Molly Webber of Morris Plains, daughter of Assemblyman Jay Webber and sister of Annie, a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy. They met up with two other cadets, Nick Taverone of Denville and Tyler Catapano of Parsippany, later in the march.
“These young men and women are the lifeblood of our republic. To be among them inspires me and gives me tremendous hope for our country’s future,” Bergen said.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris, center) is joined by Molly Webber, left, daughter of Assemblyman Jay Webber, and Sathvik Medapati, right, both of his legislative district, on their march back August 8, 2022. (Photo courtesy Brian Bergen)
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — On July 13, 2022, the Morris County Board of Commissioners approved $2.65 million in grants from the County’s 2022 Historic Preservation Trust Fund to help preserve, restore, or protect 29 historic sites in 21 towns across Morris County. Hanover Township was awarded a $36,000 grant concerning renovations to the Samuel Tuttle House. The grant will assist with the preparation of construction documents related to exterior repairs including building structure and clapboard siding, interior finish restoration, and repair. The restoration of the Tuttle House is a multi-phase project which will result in the house being used as a museum in the future.
The c. 1796 Tuttle House was constructed in the Federal architecture style by one of the early founding families of Whippany and was occupied by four generations of the Tuttle family. The Tuttle House remained a residence until the Spada family donated the structure to Hanover Township in late 2019. Members of the Township Committee were thrilled that the Spada family donated the house to the Township so the town can continue the legacy of the Tuttle House. Member Cahill stated, “This has been a long time coming and we are happy to see it happening – it will be a great addition to the Township and to our history.”
The Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund was created to help support the preservation of the County’s exceptional abundance of historic resources. The Township has been a past recipient of these grants for the restoration of the Whippany Burying Yard and will continue to work with the County in preserving the rich cultural history of Morris County and Hanover.
MORRIS COUNTY — Paul DeGroot, the bold, tough-as-nails former Passaic County prosecutor and Republican nominee for Congress in NJ-11 is questioning Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s ability to deliver on her campaign promises.
Paul DeGroot said “In 2018, then Candidate Mikie Sherrill ran on ensuring uncapped SALT deductions. Now she supports whatever Pelosi tells her to do. Here in the Garden State, we have some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Essex County’s average property tax is $14,084, with the highest towns in Essex County being the newly added to CD11 Millburn & Glen Ridge, with $24,465 & $21,649 average property taxes. Now, Congresswoman Sherrill is either unwilling or unable to uncap the SALT deduction beyond $10k despite the fact that her party is in control and she runs high-dollar ads on being ‘bipartisan.’ Mikie Sherrill is in lockstep with Job Biden and Nancy Pelosi supporting their agenda 99% of the time and going against what’s best for New Jersey 100% of the time.”
“The fact is, CD11 needs somebody representing us in Washington who can get things done. We need somebody who will perfect representation, not the art of the photo op. We need a fighter, not somebody like Congresswoman Sherrill who can’t even commit to a debate. We need somebody who can deliver the SALT.”
H2Ocean Restaurant & Raw Bar, 41 Ridgedale Avenue, Cedar Knolls
NEW JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law this week that extends outdoor dining in New Jersey until November 2024.
“There are restaurants and bars and growing numbers of breweries that are still relying on the outdoor dining spaces they were allowed to create to get themselves back financially to where they were pre-pandemic,” Murphy said. “We want to see them succeed, period. We want them to continue serving their customers and employing their workers.”
Under the law, restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries can use tents, umbrellas, tables and chairs outside their establishments to serve patrons.
It was something that Murphy said “started out of necessity” during the COVID-19 pandemic for establishments to survive. Many business owners have continued to offer outdoor dining.
Sen. Paul Sarlo (D – District 36) and Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D – District 16) are two of the five sponsors of the bill, S-2364. Not one lawmaker in Trenton voted against it.
“Outdoor dining is really cool,” Sarlo said. “It’s really cool to be outside, enjoy family and friends, enjoy a couple of drinks, enjoy some great food, and be part of the community.”
“I’m signing this bill today because of the ever-increasing numbers of patrons who have simply come to enjoy outdoor dining on its own, especially on a beautiful summer night or a bright weekend day,” Murphy said. “They’ve come to enjoy the new atmosphere, character and sense of place that outdoor dining has given to their neighborhoods and their downtowns and let me say this unequivocally, we want this to continue.”
The bill signing took place at Vesta Wood-Fired in East Rutherford, a restaurant that serves diners under a tent in the parking lot. The restaurant also received a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, which was part of the state’s small business emergency assistance program to support New Jersey businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have to as a state do what we can to help our small businesses,” Freiman said. “We got this legislation right.”
Before the bill signing, outdoor dining in New Jersey was set to expire in November 2022.
BOONTON — On Saturday, July 30, the Kiwanis Club of Tri-town (Boonton, Boonton Township, Mt. Lakes) conducted a food collection to benefit Loaves and Fishes, a local community food pantry and the Boonton Food Pantry.
In addition to the food collected, President Mickey Chopra presents a $750 check to Lucille Rocca of the Boonton Food Pantry. In addition, a $750 check was presented to Loaves and Fishes. Joe Bock and Carol Tiesi, Tri-Town members were also at the present at the presentation.
Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state.
mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary. Voluntary conservation measures at the watch stage can help to avoid more serious and restrictive drought conditions.
