MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Coalition for Education and Positive Choices (NJC4EPC) is pleased to announce that Friday Nights at Mennen Arena are back. Additionally, the Coalition is excited to advise the public that they’ve been working with Aspen Ice Arena to add ten Saturday nights, doubling the opportunity for Morris County families to lace up those skates in 2020 for some wholesome, winter fun!

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, Hanover Township Committeeman Thomas “Ace” Gallagher first made the announcement at the New York Jets Training Facility in Florham Park during the NJC4EPC’s December 3rd meeting where the Coalition formally launched its new website. “The participation for the winter skating program has been amazing,” noted Gallagher, “and we were looking to expand the events. We’re thrilled both to continue our great partnership with Mennen Arena and to work with Aspen Ice this year to do just that.”

The entire program will run ten consecutive weekends starting Friday, January 3 through Saturday, March 7. For Friday nights at Mennen, from 7:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., participating families will get a reduction in the price of admission and skate rental while enjoying a full night of skating to the music of The Great DJ Earl.  The total cost of each night will be $7.00 per person (normally $12.00). Mennen Arena has a snack bar which will be open all night for those who care to indulge. Please note that snacks are not included in the price of admission.  Mennen Arena is located at 161 Hanover Avenue, Morristown.

For Saturday nights at Aspen Ice kicking off on Saturday, January 4, the program will run from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy a reduced rate of $10.00 plus tax, which includes a skating fee and rental fee (normally $17.00 plus tax, $12.00 skating fee and a $5.00 skate rental fee). Aspen Ice has a snack bar that will be open, but purchases from the snack bar are not included in the reduced rate for skating.  Aspen Ice Arena is at 16 Aspen Drive in Randolph.

This major initiative by The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices, in conjunction with Mennen Arena and Aspen Ice, will provide families, especially children, with an opportunity to have fun with their friends in a safe, chaperoned, healthy, drug- free environment.

Many of our nights will have a different theme with the goal of not only entertaining our children at a time of year when outdoor activities are limited, but also creating interest in new activities, hobbies and possible future career opportunities to which they might not have otherwise been exposed.

Examples of future highlights:

• Law Enforcement Night

Many township police departments and law enforcement agencies will be on hand to display equipment, explain its purpose and most important, allow our youngsters to meet and greet true heroes.

• Fire Fighter Night
• Martial Arts and Fitness Night
• Dance Night
• Photo ID’s supplied by Morris County Park Police free for any child who would like one.

Further themes and activities will be announced shortly.  For additional information on these events, please check local newspapers and visit the NJC4EPC’s new website at www.njc4epc.

The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is a non-profit, Jefferson State Award recipient comprised of educators, law enforcement, municipal and school officials, and community-minded volunteers from Morris and neighboring NJ counties dedicated to combatting substance abuse in all its forms through education and guidance in making positive choices for healthy lifestyles.  For more information about the Coalition and how to join, please e-mail coalition4epc@gmail.com.

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Club (NJSFWC) has partnered with the New Jersey West Branches of Santander Bank to collect requested items for local children this holiday season.

The gifts will be donated to CASA of NJ, (Court Appointed Special Advocates), to benefit the children they serve.

Gifts that have been requested by December 28 include, hat, gloves, mitten, scarves, sweatshirts and sweatpants for boys and girls, toddler through teens, night lights, duffel bags or backpacks and $10.00 gift cards to Wendy’s. McDonalds, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Walmart and Target.

Branches that will be participating in the collection include; Parsippany, Boonton, Denville, Rockaway, East Hanover, Livingston, Newton, West Caldwell, Livingston, Byram, Cedar Grove, Hopatcong, Morris Plains, Randolph, Towaco and Wharton.

CASA of NJ is the NJSFWC Special State project for 2018-2020. Every two years, the Federation chooses a new project that all clubs in New Jersey can support with in kind and monetary donations, and support to the organization through education and advocacy.
The NJSFWC, founded in 1894 and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others, one project at a time is now celebrating 125 years of community service. Among its accomplishments are the founding of the New Jersey College for Women (now Douglass Residential College) in 1918 and the establishment of almost 75% of all public libraries.
For additional information click here.

CASA of NJ provides a voice for abused and neglected children by empowering a statewide network of local CASA programs serving all 21 counties of NJ. Dedicated community volunteers advocate in Family Court for the best interests of children in foster care to ensure their safety and well-being, and ultimately, their placement in nurturing, permanent homes with loving families. For more information click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Sherrill (NJ-11) voted today to pass H.R. 5430, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act. The USMCA makes critical improvements to the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by strengthening enforcement, labor, and environmental provisions and ensuring that any changes put forward in the implementing legislation do not harm U.S. businesses, consumers, or workers.

“The USMCA is a bipartisan product of negotiation and agreement between Congress and the Trump Administration,” said Representative Sherrill. “We need a trade agreement that supports our workers, protects our environment, and helps businesses in our community grow. The USMCA will help our country face the changing 21st century economy.”

Key Provisions of the USMCA:

• Supporting New Jersey’s 11th District:  In 2017, NJ-11 had 35,400 jobs supported by trade with Canada and Mexico, $1.4 billion worth of NJ-11 goods and services exported to Canada and Mexico, and 61 percent of NJ-11 imports from Canada and Mexico were used as inputs by U.S. companies. USMCA Lowers drug costs and improves access to life-saving medicines.
• Supporting American Business in a 21st Century Economy: Creates much-needed certainty in the North American market between the United States and two of its largest trading partners.  Creates a digital trade chapter to allow more American goods and services to reach Mexican and Canadian markets.  Expands the Export-Import Bank’s support for U.S. exports and American jobs.  Removes the administration’s tariffs against Mexico and Canada, and therefore the retaliatory tariffs against U.S. exports.
• Protecting American Workers: Significantly increases labor standards and makes them more enforceable, enhancing protections for American workers.
• Protecting the Environment: Includes strong, fully enforceable environmental standards and protections, and directs U.S. officials to regularly monitor Mexico’s adherence to environmental laws, regulations, and standards.
• Enforcement of the Rules: Helps the United States more successfully resolve labor, environment, and other disputes related to international trade.

The USMCA earned the endorsement of key organizations, including: AFL-CIO, Teamsters Union, United Steelworkers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, UPS, AT&T, National Restaurant Association, National Retail Federation, National Association of Homebuilders, National Association of Manufacturers, Consumer Technology Association, Coalition of Service Industries, and the Outdoor Industry Association.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio commended the State Auditor’s office after the release of the annual audit plan for 2020 revealed a pending review of the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act.

“The film tax credit is a significant expenditure of taxpayer money that demands scrutiny,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “The auditor has limited resources and a heavy workload. I want to thank him for listening to us and am pleased he made the commitment to review the costly program in the new year.”

Pennacchio first called for an audit of the $425 million Garden State Film Tax Credit program in July 2018.

“We cannot afford to waste any more money on incentives that are not producing a worthwhile return on investment for the people we serve,” Pennacchio said in a letter to the auditor seeking a comprehensive analysis of the incentive plan.

The audit is more crucial now, Pennacchio said, after a recent published report indicated that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved more than $50 million in film tax credits. According to the report, the program may be extended through 2028 and the taxpayer money allotted for credits could be increased.

“The film tax credits come at a tremendous cost to New Jersey taxpayers. We need to understand how the money is being used and whether it is an effective expense,” Pennacchio said. “It would be irresponsible to commit one dollar more of taxpayer money to lure film crews to our state without a thorough evaluation of the fiscal impact and lasting benefits for New Jersey families. The auditors’ review will help answer some important questions.”

Pennacchio noted that a recent survey conducted by the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Policy found the film tax credit programs in Connecticut, New York and three other states have failed to deliver any significant job growth or economic gains.

“The only people benefiting from these programs are the Hollywood elites,” said Pennacchio. “The state may be giving away free stuff to the filmmakers without reaping any long-lasting economic benefits in the areas where they are filming.”

A published report about the USC study said film incentives have cost taxpayers in the five states a total of nearly $10 billion since their programs were enacted.

“Here in New Jersey, where families are crushed by the highest taxes in the nation, we cannot afford to waste hundreds of millions of dollars on incentive plans that don’t deliver as promised,” said Pennacchio. “I look forward to the results of this audit and ensuring the film tax credits aren’t a box office bust for taxpayers.”

PARSIPPANY — New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase to $11.00 on January 1, in another step toward the $15.00 minimum wage enacted in February. Business leaders say that raising the minimum wage will boost consumer buying power, foster a more stable and productive workforce, and strengthen businesses and the economy.

New Jersey is one of 21 states raising its minimum wage at the new year, including six states (New Jersey, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York) on track to reach $15.00 in the future. Additionally, Washington D.C.’s minimum wage will reach $15 on July 1, 2020 and Connecticut will raise its minimum wage on September 1, 2020 in a step toward $15.00 by 2023.

New Jersey’s law, reflecting a compromise between the governor and legislative leaders, raises the minimum wage to $11.00 on January 1 for businesses with more than five employees (after increasing it to $10.00 on July 1, 2019 for these businesses), with future increases of $1.00 a year to reach $15.00 by 2024, followed by annual cost-of-living adjustments.The minimum wage increases to $10.30 on January 1, 2020 for seasonal workers and businesses with fewer than six employees, eventually reaching $15.00 in 2026 – followed by a two-year period for the slower-path minimum wage to catch up to cost-of-living adjustments in the regular minimum wage by 2028.

“Twenty-one states are ringing in the New Year with minimum wage increases, and that’s great news for business and our economy,” said Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage. “It’s vital to remember that workers are also customers, and minimum wage increases boost the buying power of people living paycheck to paycheck. Minimum wage raises also pay off in lower employee turnover, reduced hiring and training costs, lower error rates, better productivity and happier customers.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO of Earth Friendly Products, which manufactures ECOS® brand products in Parsippany (as well as California, Illinois and Washington): “With a higher minimum wage, turnover is lower, productivity is higher and customer service is stronger, helping businesses succeed. We start employees at $17.00 an hour and provide great benefits, and we’re still able to sell our products at competitive prices. Raising the minimum wage is an important investment in American workers and businesses.”

Scheduled increases for December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 include:

• Arizona increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2020 and is indexed for annual cost of living increases starting in 2021
• Arkansas increases to $10 on Jan. 1, 2020 and $11 in 2021
• California increases to $13 on Jan. 1, 2020, $14 in 2021 and $15 in 2022. Small businesses with 25 employees or fewer have an extra year to comply, reaching $15 in 2023. After the minimum wage reaches $15 for all employees, it will be indexed for annual cost of living increases.
• Colorado increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2020 and indexed starting in 2021
• Illinois increases to $9.25 on Jan. 1, 2020, $10 on July 1, 2020, $11 on Jan. 1, 2021, with future increases of $1 a year to reach $15 by 2025
• Maine increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2020 and indexed starting in 2021
• Maryland increases to $11 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases to reach $15 in 2025. Small businesses with fewer than 15 employees reach $11 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases to reach $15 on Jan. 1, 2026.
• Massachusetts increases to $12.75 on Jan. 1, 2020, with increases of 75 cents a year to reach $15 in 2023
• Michigan increases to $9.65 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future small increases until it reaches $12.05 in 2030, “or a subsequent calendar year”
• Missouri increases to $9.45 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases of 85 cents a year to reach $12 in 2023 and then indexed
• New Jersey increases to $11 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases of $1 a year to reach $15 by 2024 and then indexed. Businesses with fewer than six employees increase to $10.30 on Jan. 1, 2020 and then rise more slowly to $15 in 2026.
• New Mexico increases to $9 on Jan. 1, 2020, with future increases to $12 in 2023
• New York
  • New York City increases to $15 on Dec. 31, 2019 for businesses with 10 employees or fewer, putting all businesses in New York City at $15
  • Long Island and Westchester increase to $13 on Dec. 31, 2019, $14 in 2020 and $15 in 2021
  • The rest of New York State increases to $11.80 on Dec. 31, 2019 and $12.50 on Dec. 31, 2020. Annual increases starting in 2021 will bring the rest of New York to $15 on a schedule to be determined based on cost of living and other indices.
• Washington state increases to $13.50 on Jan. 1, 2020 and indexed for annual cost of living increases starting in 2021

States with indexing where annual cost of living adjustments will take effect January 1.

• Alaska increases to $10.19
• Florida increases to $8.56
• Minnesota increases to $10 for employers with an annual gross revenue of $500,000 or more and $8.15 for employers with less than $500,000
• Montana increases to $8.65
• Ohio increases to $8.70
• South Dakota increases to $9.30
• Vermont increases to $10.96

Looking ahead, Nevada, Oregon and the District of Columbia have increases scheduled for July 1, 2020 and Connecticut will raise its minimum wage on September 1, 2020.

The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since July 24, 2009—the longest period in history without a raise. On July 18, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Raise the Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $15.00 by 2025, but the Senate has not acted.

MORRIS COUNTY —  Current Pequannock Township Councilwoman and lifelong Morris County resident Melissa Florance-Lynch announced her candidacy for Morris County Freeholder.

A lifelong resident of Pequannock with more than ten years of extensive leadership in governing, Melissa will bring her commitment to public service, business development, and philanthropy work to the Board. “I’m looking forward to sharing my best practices in fiscal responsible governing with the Freeholder Board and the residents of Morris County,” Melissa said. Florance-Lynch has proved herself a resolute, fiscal conservative despite challenging budget limitations from mandates handed down from Trenton, the burden of protecting Pequannock’s residents from seasonal flooding, and the need to collaborate and create opportunity for the sharing of services.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve balanced the need for supporting community programs and resources for residents, while holding the municipal tax rate to an increase of less than three-quarters of one percent on my nine-year watch. That’s the kind of fiscal conservatism I will bring to the Morris County Board.”

A current Pequannock council member, Melissa is a tireless public servant having collaborated extensively with federal, state, and municipal officials to mitigate the impact of flooding on behalf Pequannock residents. She has welcomed countless new businesses into Pequannock spurring critical economic growth and helping to lower the residential tax rate.

A liaison to the the town’s Economic Development Committee, Melissa has overseen the growth of business in Pequannock Township as well as improvements to Pequannock’s business district. Philanthropy has been Melissa’s passion throughout her life and she has lent her talents to the Deborah Heart & Lung Center and Hospital Foundation​, Pequannock Valley Rotary Club, Pequannock Twp. Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Suburban Woman’s Club of Pompton Plains.

A successful business woman, Melissa has been a licensed Realtor® for over twenty years and has been a Real Estate Broker and Sales Manager with Realty Executives for the past nine years. She recently was selected to receive the prestigious North Central Jersey Association of Realtors® (NCJAR) “REALTOR® of the Year” Award for 2020. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration – Seton Hall University.

MORRIS COUNTY — Kyle was recently rescued from a local, municipal shelter where he was found as a stray. We are so excited to be able to help this happy boy find his forever home!

Kyle is very friendly and can always be found smiling. He is a real nugget of joy! He often stands on his hind legs and does a little dance when he wants your attention (or a taste of your dinner!)!

Kyle is dog-friendly with dogs who will give him space and can live with children 16+. His preferred home would be a quiet one without a lot of chaos. What can we say, Kyle loves his peace and quiet! He would also prefer a home without frequent visitors or one where his owners are experienced with fear issues. This little guy is afraid of strangers but loves his foster family. He will need a home that understands and can work through this with him.

Kyle loves toys and playing. He also really enjoys curling up in his foster mom’s laps for pets. He’s a great mix of fun and snuggly!

If you’re looking for a dog to make you grin ear-to-ear, apply to adopt Kyle today!

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here.
Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Facebook by clicking here.