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United Way Looking for Volunteer Tax Preparers

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — As a volunteer tax preparer for United Way of Northern New Jersey’s free tax preparation program earlier this year, Sharareh relished helping clients save hundreds in tax preparer fees and perhaps receive a refund. She knew firsthand what it was like to struggle financially and receive some much-needed relief.  

“I’ve been in that situation before,” said Sharareh, who years earlier found herself a client of United Way’s free tax preparation program. When the timing was right, she didn’t hesitate to give back and become a volunteer.

“It just makes me happy that I’m doing something and helping someone,” said Sharareh. “It’s joyful.” 

United Way has launched its recruitment campaign for volunteer tax preparers to have trained volunteers across its five-county footprint of Morris, Suburban Essex, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties.

Like Sharareh, area residents can make a difference by signing up as volunteer tax preparers for the upcoming tax season. Volunteers help ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and households in poverty throughout the northern New Jersey region avoid the high cost of preparation fees.

“Becoming a volunteer tax preparer is a tangible way to make a difference in the lives of those struggling to afford life’s basics,” said United Way of Northern New Jersey CEO Kiran Handa Gaudioso. “By helping ALICE avoid high preparation fees and receive tax credits for which they are eligible, much-needed funds are put back into their wallets and the local economy.” 

Like volunteers before her, Sharareh learned that not having an accounting background or any prior experience wasn’t an issue. A free training course taught her what she needed to know, and fellow volunteers and United Way staff were always on hand to answer any questions and review her work.

During the last tax season, Sharareh was among the 200 volunteers who helped United Way of Northern New Jersey and its partners — Norwescap, Greater Providence Missionary Baptist Church, and the IRS — file an estimated 5,000 returns for free. This collaboration saved struggling families $1.5 million in tax preparation costs.

“What you accomplish at the end is worth it,” Sharareh said.

For more information about becoming a volunteer tax preparer, email [email protected], call (973) 993-1160 x529 or click here.

Eldridge Cruzado Sentenced to Ten Years for LSD Distribution

By
Frank Cahill
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Morris County Prosecutor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, along with Chief of Detectives Robert McNally and Chief Dean Adone of the Roxbury Township Police Department, confirmed the sentencing of Eldridge Cruzado, a 21-year-old resident of Kenvil, New Jersey.

Between May and June of 2023, a collaborative effort involving the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Roxbury Township Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a thorough investigation into Eldridge Cruzado’s involvement in the distribution of various narcotics within the state and across the country. This illegal operation involved the delivery of drug packages to multiple post offices in Morris County, several of which were intercepted, leading to the discovery of a significant quantity of Lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as “LSD.” Following the execution of search warrants at Cruzado’s residence, he was apprehended and charged with these offenses.

On November 13, 2023, in a hearing presided over by the Honorable Ralph E. Amirata, J.S.C., Cruzado entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of second-degree distribution of LSD. On January 5, 2024, he received a ten-year sentence in New Jersey State Prison for his involvement in the distribution of narcotics.

Prosecutor Carroll expressed his appreciation for the exceptional teamwork displayed by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit. He emphasized that this resolution reflects the ongoing commitment to removing dangerous narcotics from the community and holding individuals accountable for jeopardizing the safety of the community.

Chief Adone underscored the origins of the case, which began with a routine patrol response to a service call. Ptl. Nicole Parichuk initiated the initial investigation, recognizing the need for further inquiry. Subsequently, Ptl. Parichuk alerted the Detective Bureau, setting in motion an exhaustive ground-up investigation that required hours of dedicated police work from all involved parties. Chief Adone expressed gratitude towards the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their invaluable assistance, which significantly contributed to the successful outcome of the case.

Brian Bergen, Known for Challenging Democratic Leadership, Named New Assembly Minority Whip

By
Frank Cahill
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Assemblyman Brian Bergen

MORRIS COUNTY — In a significant development, Brian Bergen, a prominent figure known for his confrontational approach with Democratic legislative leaders during his four-year tenure in Trenton, has been appointed as the new Assembly Minority Whip.

Anticipated to be officially announced by Minority Leader John DiMaio, this appointment solidifies Bergen’s position within the Assembly GOP leadership team. Bergen, a West Point graduate and a decorated veteran with combat helicopter experience in Iraq, brings a wealth of experience to the role.

This reshuffling within the GOP caucus comes in the wake of the defeat of Minority Conference Leader Ned Thomson (R-Wall) and the retirement of Minority Budget Officer Hal Wirths (R-Wantage). The GOP caucus now stands at 28 members following the loss of six seats in the November 2023 midterm elections.

Brian Bergen, a former Denville councilman who secured an open Assembly seat in 2019, steps into the shoes of Antwan McClellan (R-Ocean City), who assumed the role of Deputy Minority Leader after Nancy Munoz decided to vacate the position in favor of becoming the ranking Republican on the Assembly Budget Committee.

Bergen has made headlines for his leadership in challenging Speaker Craig Coughlin’s mandate that required anyone entering the Assembly chambers to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test, a stance that gained prominence during the pandemic. While frequently dissenting on legislation supported by many of his GOP colleagues, Bergen’s voting patterns may undergo some adjustments as he takes on this new leadership role.

Previously, Bergen briefly contested the minority leader post, which ultimately went to Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield) when he assumed a State Senate seat two years ago.

Additionally, the reshuffle includes Jay Webber (R-Morris Plains) retaining his position as appropriations officer, Gerry Scharfenberger (R-Middletown) taking on the role of policy chair, and Brian Rumpf (R-Egg Harbor Township) assuming the position of parliamentarian.

Rob Clifton (R-Matawan) has been appointed as the new assistant minority leader, and Vicky Flynn has been named the new deputy minority conference leader. The lineup also includes Michele Matsikoudis (R-New Providence) and Christopher Barranco (R-Jefferson) as assistant minority conference leaders, Erik Peterson (R-Franklin) as deputy minority whip, and Assemblyman Don Guardian and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn as assistant minority whips.

Kindergarten Registration for 2024-2025 School Year Begins on January 22 in East Hanover

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

EAST HANOVER — Registration for children who will turn five years old on or before October 1, 2024, will be conducted online during the week of January 22.

To initiate the registration process, please visit the school’s website by clicking here, then click on “FOR PARENTS,” and use the link for “24-25 New Student Registrations.” Please note that this link will become available on January 22.

Once the enrollment and registration procedures are completed, those who have registered will be contacted to schedule a visit to the school for a kindergarten screening.

Parents or guardians are required to provide the following documents at the time of screening:

  1. Original birth certificate
  2. Three proofs of residency
  3. Complete immunization record
  4. Physical examination record

Parents are encouraged to register their children even if all the medical and residency requirements have not been met by the registration date. However, these records must be submitted to the school no later than the day before the school’s opening.

East Hanover Preschool Applications Set to Open on January 22

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

EAST HANOVER — Applications for the East Hanover Township School District’s 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool classes for the 2024-2025 school year will become available on Monday, January 22.

Eligibility criteria: Children must reach the age of 3 or 4 by October 1, 2024, and should be fully toilet trained. In some cases, students who do not meet the age cutoff date may be considered for enrollment on their third birthday if space is available. Contact Central School for inquiries and space availability during the school year.

Details:

  • Both programs are 2 1/2 hours per day, running five days a week.
  • Please note that transportation is not provided.
  • For annual tuition rates, application forms, and additional information, please visit the East Hanover Township Schools’ website by clicking here.

Enrollment for both sections is limited, and selection may involve a lottery drawing. Students currently enrolled in the preschool program will have a guaranteed spot once their application is submitted.

The deadline for applications is Friday, April 5.

Chelsea Lavelle Recognized for Exceptional Achievement on SUNY New Paltz’s Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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BOONTON — SUNY New Paltz proudly congratulates Chelsea Lavelle for being named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.

Dean’s List designation is reserved for students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a full-time course load.

Located in the heart of a dynamic college town, ninety minutes from metropolitan New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz is a highly selective college of about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

One of the most well-regarded public colleges in the nation, New Paltz delivers an extraordinary number of majors in Business, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Fine & Performing Arts, and Education.

New Paltz embraces its culture as a community where talented and independent-minded people from around the world create close personal links with real scholars and artists who love to teach.

New Jersey Approves Bill Easing Brewery Restrictions and Liquor License Changes

By
Frank Cahill
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Allowing breweries, wineries, and distilleries to host unlimited events and private parties on their premises and up to 25 special events off-site.

MORRIS COUNTY — The state of New Jersey is set to implement changes to its craft brewery and retail license laws after a bill received unanimous support from both chambers of the state Legislature on January 8. The bill, sponsored by Democratic state Senators Vin Gopal, Paul Sarlo, and Troy Singleton, proposes several significant changes to the existing regulations affecting breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the state.

Some of the key provisions of the bill include:

  1. Allowing breweries, wineries, and distilleries to host unlimited events and private parties on their premises and up to 25 special events off-site.
  2. Permitting these establishments to sell food items like chips, nuts, and other packaged snacks. They can also coordinate with external vendors such as food trucks and restaurants to serve food on their premises.
  3. Eliminating the requirement that breweries must give patrons a tour of their facilities before they can consume alcohol.
  4. Activating some of the 1,400 inactive liquor licenses (known as pocket licenses) that have not been used by restaurants or bars for at least eight years. If a license remains dormant for two years, it will expire and may be auctioned off or extended by the municipality.
  5. Allowing communities to issue special licenses for establishments in shopping malls, with up to two additional licenses for towns with malls larger than 750,000 square feet and up to four additional licenses for towns with malls larger than 1.5 million square feet.
  6. Permitting towns to transfer one dormant license per year and two every five years to a neighboring municipality in need of more licenses.
  7. Establishing a farm brewery license for operators who engage in farming and wish to brew malt alcoholic beverages (up to 2,500 barrels of 31 fluid gallons a year) and sell them on their premises.

These changes are seen as a positive step for the state’s craft brewing and distilling industry, allowing it to grow and prosper. However, it’s worth noting that this bill represents a scaled-down version of broader changes that Governor Phil Murphy had previously pushed for in an effort to modernize the state’s Prohibition-era liquor license laws.

The bill’s passage has received mixed reactions, with some stakeholders applauding the progress made while others express concerns about certain restrictions, particularly regarding the transfer of inactive licenses and the overall affordability of liquor licenses in the state. The New Jersey League of Municipalities questions the limitation on transferring inactive licenses to contiguous municipalities, as it may not address the shortage of available liquor licenses in some areas.

Downtown New Jersey and the NJ Liquor License Reform Alliance believe that while this bill is a step in the right direction, it does not fully address the affordability issue and equity concerns related to liquor licenses in the state. They plan to continue advocating for more progressive reforms in the future.

Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not  Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature

By
Frank Cahill
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Assemblyman Christian Barranco

MORRIS COUNTY — Statement from Assemblyman Barranco: Why I Will Not  Vote for a Pay Increase for the State Legislature:

“At a time when many individuals and families in New Jersey are struggling to make ends meet; and at a time when so many middle-class homeowners and business owners are suffering the crushing impact of the highest property taxes in the nation, it is the height of insensitivity for the state lawmakers to give themselves a 67 percent pay increase.

“Instead of thinking about themselves, the legislators should be thinking about the people paying the taxes and retirees who have not had a simple cost of living increase in 12 years.

“It is shameful that the legislators most responsible for the high cost of living in New Jersey – the legislators, who six months ago approved the biggest budget in state history – would now think of rewarding themselves rather than working to relieve the financial burden they have placed on their constituents.  

“I cannot in good conscience vote for a pay increase for the legislature until we start addressing the economic and tax issues that are harming New Jersey’s working people.” 

Senate Clears Pennacchio/Bucco Bill that Would Credit Students for Completing Fire Academy Courses

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco that would provide course credits for high school students who become volunteer firefighters was approved today by the New Jersey Senate.

“New Jersey is suffering from a severe shortage of first responders,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “By incentivizing high school students to become volunteer firefighters in their municipalities, students can earn credits to meet certain graduation requirements. This bill provides an innovative solution to reduce New Jersey’s firefighter shortage and promotes educational opportunities for students outside of the classroom.”

The legislation, S-3901, would permit students to be eligible for credits in health, safety, and physical education for completing a course at a county fire academy, provided they meet certain criteria.“Firefighting is a skilled profession that is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities,” Bucco added. “This bill enables students to receive their education while simultaneously serving as vital public servants.”To receive credits, a student must be between 16 and 18 years old, complete an examination to become a junior firefighter, and volunteer at their local fire department for two years.

Legislation Signed to Increase Transparency in Online Gym Membership Cancellations

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — Gym membership sign-ups see an increase in January as many make New Year resolutions to get healthy, lose weight, and get fit. But as days get busier, those memberships take the back seat.

For those who are frustrated at the expense and difficulty of canceling those memberships, Governor Murphy has signed legislation streamling membership cancellation policies and protecting consumers across New Jersey.

The legislation A3892/S2952 requires gym subscription services that can be entered online to offer an online cancellation option. The location where subscribers can initiate the cancellation must be accessible and prominent on the gym provider’s website, within the individual’s account profile, or it may be completed through a termination email template provided by the service. This law will ease the process for consumers to willfully terminate automatic gym renewal subscriptions and avoid entrapment by rigid in-person membership cancellation policies.

“By signing this bill into law, New Jerseyans will be protected from confusing, misleading, and inflexible subscription cancellation policies,” said Governor Murphy. “For too long, members have faced difficulties when attempting to cancel a membership they entered into online. With these new requirements, we can ensure a simplified gym membership cancellation process for consumers and hardworking families can evade the financial burden of perpetual automatic renewals.”

Primary sponsors of A3892/S2952 include Senate President Nicholas Scutari, Senator Gordon Johnson, and Assemblymembers Paul Moriarty, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Angela McKnight.

“We thank Governor Murphy and our legislators for once again making consumer protection a priority in New Jersey,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “This legislation establishes clear ground rules in an area where unscrupulous health club operators could otherwise take advantage of consumers by making it unnecessarily difficult to terminate memberships. The Division stands ready to enforce these new protections and hold violators accountable.”

“This is a straightforward consumer protection law,” said Senate President Scutari. “It shouldn’t be complicated for consumers to cancel their health club memberships online if they were purchased online. This will give them that option.”

“It’s simple, if you sign up for a gym membership online, you should be able to cancel your membership online as well,” said Senator Johnson. “This is a good policy which will undoubtedly benefit the consumers of New Jersey and save people from undue headaches.”

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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