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Letter to the Editor: Easter Fun Fest event

By
Frank Cahill
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Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and as chairman of our Easter Fun Fest event, I would like to thank our sponsors: Alfred’s Sports, 32 Main St., Bernie McDonough of Coldwell Banker Madison, 49 Main St., Carter Smile, 290 Madison Ave., Morristown., Cleaners Advantage, 888-471-7676, Harvest Bistro, 50 1/2 Main St., Lure Lash, 89 Main St., Madison & Main Advisors, 266 Main St., and Nothing Bundt Cakes, 170 E. Hanover Ave., Morristown.

I would also like to thank all of the families that came downtown on April 3 to celebrate Easter with our community and businesses

Our 13th Annual Easter Fun Fest was a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the day since the overwhelming effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What started out as a cool spring day, families came and enjoyed searching for Shelly the Easter Egg, visiting with the Easter Bunny, and exchanging greetings with neighbors.

The event brought families from nearby towns, all of who commented on how they enjoy Madison’s town, events, and incredible community spirit.  We all enjoyed hearing these positive compliments and we hope that these types of events continue to bring new people into our community and to the downtown area.

This year we had our 7 ft. tall inflatable colorful Easter Bunny and our decorated Chamber tent at a new location on Main St. Many families took photos of their children at this location. 

Children got to take a chance to win a 20″ grey Rip-Rock Specialized bicycle donated by Peter Daniele of Rose City Collision, 291 Main St. and supplied by Hilltop Bicycles | HB Madison, 14 Kings Rd.

The winner of the bicycle was Cedric Asselin.  In addition to the bicycle, the family received an Easter Basket and Tulip plant, donated by Ankor Patel and his staff at Stop & Shop, 133 Main St. They also received deluxe car wash coupons donated by Ken Maietta, owner of Madison Car Wash, 267 Main St.

Second prize winner Penelope Karounis, received a $25 Tons of Toys Gift Certificate donated by owner Chris Brinkofskiand a $25 Sugar Rush Gift Certificate donated by owner Andrea Zembelis.

This year’s jelly bean contest was once again a highlight of the event with Madison Hanson receiving a $200 Tons of Toys gift certificate donated by Doug Loikith, owner of Madison Memorial Home. Madison also received an Easter basket and Tulip plant donated by Stop & Shop and deluxe car wash coupons donated by Madison Car Wash.

Second place jelly bean runner up received a $25 Sugar Rush Gift Certificate donated by owner Andrea Zembelis. 

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mayor Robert Conley for his participation and the following volunteers: Chamber President, John Morris; Executive Director, Karen Giambra; Frank Iannarone of Madison Pharmacy, Robbin Salmeri of Cleaners Advantage, Valerie Cassidy, and to Fran Boardman for entertaining the children as our Easter Bunny. 

I would also like to thank Madison Police Department Sgt. Bart Glab, Patrolman Bret Smith, and Auxiliary Police John Grant for public relations, traffic control, and pedestrian safety.

Madison business owners were pleased with the Chamber’s annual Easter Fun Fest and hope that the families that participated and visited their stores will return for future shopping.

Thank you again to the many that came out for this fun family event and for your continued support of our Madison businesses. Happy Spring!

Peter Daniele, Vice President
Madison Area Chamber of Commerce

Vote for Your Favorite Madison Employee

By
Frank Cahill
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MADISON — The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for their annual Extra Mile Award. This award recognizes Madison employees who provide exceptional customer service. These individuals are rewarded for their extra special friendly and knowledgeable service, which truly makes a difference in a customer’s shopping experience.

Nominations from the general public will be accepted until Tuesday, June 1, 2021.  The winner will be invited to the Chamber’s Annual Awards Night on June 8, 2021.

“We encourage customers to take a moment to fill out a ballot in order to recognize, support and celebrate their favorite, best retailers and service providers,” said John Morris, co-owner of Stewart-Morris Awards, Gifts & Flags, and president of the Chamber.

Have someone to nominate?  Please provide your nominee’s name, place of business, your contact information, and the reason for your nomination.

Please email all nominations to Karen Giambra, Chamber’s executive director, at [email protected], or mail to Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 152, Madison, NJ 07940.

All nominations must be postmarked by Tuesday, June 1, 2021.

Murphy Signs Bills Strengthening How Law Enforcement Agencies Manage Sexual Assault Cases

By
Frank Cahill
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Governor Phil Murphy

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy signed a series of bills strengthening how law enforcement agencies handle sexual assault cases. These bills direct law enforcement agencies to allocate additional resources to sexual assault cases, increase training for prosecutors on how to manage these cases, and change reporting structures to ensure that survivors are properly notified about their cases. As part of this package of bills, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal will also be tasked with publishing an annual report detailing the scope of sexual assault incidents statewide.

“It is imperative that we take steps to make sure that survivors in New Jersey know they can seek justice,” said Governor Murphy. “Giving our law enforcement agencies clear directives and guidance on how to manage sexual assault cases will ensure that these cases are handled with survivors in mind. These long-overdue reforms will change how survivors interact with law enforcement agencies and provide additional information on the scope of these incidents. I am proud to sign these bills into law.”

Previously, Governor Murphy signed the Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights,  legislation to protect survivors and legislation to create a new commission on campus sexual assault. Attorney General Grewal also issued a directive to law enforcement in 2018 that created fourteen protocols prioritizing the needs and concerns of sexual assault victims in New Jersey and ensuring that victims are treated with respect and understanding by law enforcement in the days, weeks, and months after reporting an assault. Many of today’s actions codify and expand on that 2018 directive.

Governor Murphy signed the following legislation:

  • S3070/A4884 (Weinberg, Turner/Vainieri Huttle, McKnight, Reynolds-Jackson) Establishes “Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program.”
  • S3071/4885 (Weinberg, Ruiz/Vainieri Huttle, Lopez, Reynolds-Jackson) Requires law enforcement to provide the victim of sexual assault with an initial incident report; provides the victim with an option to review the initial incident report and submit the corrective form.
  • S3072/A4886 – (Weinberg, Cunningham/Vainieri Huttle, Murphy, Reynolds-Jackson) Requires resources to be made available to victims of sexual assault.
  • S3073/A4887 – (Weinberg, Corrado/Vainieri Huttle, Jasey, Timberlake) Establishes right of victims to be notified of the county prosecutor’s charging decision in sexual assault cases.
  • S3074/A4888 – (Weinberg, Greenstein/Vainieri Huttle, Lopez) Requires the Office of the Attorney General to issue an annual report concerning sexual assault cases.
  • S3075/A4889 – (Weinberg, Pou/Vainieri Huttle, Quijano, Speight) Establishes sexual violence liaison officer in Division of State Police and local police departments.
  • S3076/A4890 – (Weinberg, Gill/Vainieri Huttle, McKnight, Reynolds-Jackson) Requires sexual assault training for prosecutors.

“This legislation codifies and in some instances expands upon the important steps our office has taken in the last several years to improve the way law enforcement officers and prosecutors engage with victims of sexual assault, with the goal of ensuring that survivors’ cases are handled in accordance with best practices by police and prosecutors,” said Attorney General Grewal. “With the signing of these bills into law, New Jersey stands as a model for improving survivor-focused case management and law enforcement training and reporting, so we can achieve justice while treating survivors of sex crimes.

“New Jersey adds to its portfolio of survivor-centered, trauma-informed laws and transforms how our state responds to the needs of survivors of sexual violence,” said Patricia Teffenhart, Executive Director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA). “The signing of this package of bills is a direct reflection of what kind of change is possible when we collectively center the lived experiences of survivors to inform necessary policy and practice reforms. NJCASA is thankful for the survivors, advocates, bill sponsors, and Governor Murphy who made this possible.”

HUD Announces $5 Billion to Increase Affordable Housing to Address Homelessness

By
Frank Cahill
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0

WASHINGTON —  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, along with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, held a Zoom call to discuss the nearly $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funds allocated by HUD to help communities across the country create affordable housing and services for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

The supplemental funding is allocated through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to 651 grantees, including states, insular areas, and local governments.

“Homelessness in the United States was increasing even before COVID-19, and we know the pandemic has only made the crisis worse,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “HUD’s swift allocation of this $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funding reflects our commitment to addressing homelessness as a priority. With this strong funding, communities across the country will have the resources needed to give homes to the people who have had to endure the COVID-19 pandemic without one.”

“New Jersey will receive $130,874,863, HUD funding that will go a long way to alleviate homelessness in the Garden State,” said Justin Scheid, HUD Newark Field Office Director. “The Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress shows that there were 9,662 homeless New Jerseyans before the pandemic, a number that has the potential to increase.  Children and families deserve a decent place to live and the HOME / ARP funding can begin to heal the lives affected by homelessness and the fear of becoming homeless.”

The $4.925 billion in HOME-ARP funding gives states the flexibility to best meet the needs of people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including through the development of affordable housing, tenant-based rental assistance, supportive services, and acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units. Funds must be spent by 2030.

The nearly $5 billion in HOME-ARP funding is the first of two homelessness-related funding opportunities from the American Rescue Plan that HUD will release. In the coming weeks, HUD will announce the allocation of funding for emergency vouchers for people experiencing and at-risk of homelessness.

While the nearly $5 billion in HOME-ARP funding will deliver near-term relief to people experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness, President Biden’s American Jobs Plan would build on this relief with additional robust funding to bring the United States closer to ending homelessness and housing instability.

Town of Boonton Mayor and Town Council Meeting Scheduled; 2021 Budget Will Be Introduced

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

BOONTON — Town of Boonton Mayor and Town Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Passcode: XBA4CX

or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 929 205 6099 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 913 2080 8900
Passcode: 062871
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aupGroLjv

Please note that there are two separate passcodes. One is for the internet link and the other is for telephone dial-ins. Please use the appropriate passcode for your device and method of participation.

Please ensure that you are using an up-to-date internet browser if accessing via the internet link. Outdated browsers may not support all Zoom functions.

 

 

East Hanover Summer Playground Schedule

By
Frank Cahill
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0

EAST HANOVER — Playground is offered to East Hanover children entering first grade in the fall through eighth grade in September. The program runs from June 28 to August 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lurker Park, 631 Ridgedale Avenue.

The fee is $225.00 per child / $215.00 for each additional child in the family

No Lunch, Busing, Trips, or Camp on rainy days. The deadline to register is June 18.

Registration forms are available by clicking here or come in and register at the Recreation Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call the office at  (973) 888-6085 for more information.

Morris Plains Seeks Temporary Summer Help

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS PLAINS — The Borough of Morris Plains is seeking applicants for temporary summer help in the Department of Public Works. This position performs a variety of duties related to the care and maintenance of Borough Buildings and Grounds. Must be 18 years of age and have a valid NJ Driver’s License. Submit an application to Rosanne Denman, RMC Borough of Morris Plains, 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.

For information call (973) 538-2224 or email [email protected].

Click here to download the application or you may also request to have an application sent via email. Deadline for submissions of applications April 23, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.

Uncle Frank’s Trout Fishing Contest

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS PLAINS — Uncle Frank’s Trout Fishing Contest will be held on Saturday, May 8 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Community Park Road, off Malapardis Road.

All Morris Plains residents 13 years or younger are invited to participate. Prizes for the first and largest trout. Adults must accompany children but cannot fish.

Participants must register at the pond. One rod per participant. No wading or boating. Ant bait or any rod can be used. Supply your own road, line, bait hook, float, and sinkers.

Sponsored by Morris Plains Rotary Club.

All Seasons Garden Club Seeks Volunteers

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS PLAINS — The Borough of Morris Plains “All Seasons Garden Club” is responsible for over 90 flower tubs that line Speedwell Avenue. All members take care of these tubs but are in need of help from volunteers to help keep the tubs looking beautiful.

If you would like to volunteer to help keep Morris Plains beautiful, please consider volunteering to keep our tubs looking great.

Contact Pearl Law at (9730 538-8189.

Hanover Fire Districts Vote Next Week

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo

HANOVER — Hanover Township voters will vote in person for their respective fire district elections on Tuesday, April 20 following a two-month delay.

Those who wish to vote by mail and have not already signed up may go to the Morris County Clerk’s Office at 10 Court Street, Morristown until 3:00 p.m. the day before the election to request a mail-in ballot. Those who have filed a mail-in ballot in recent elections are already signed up to receive mail-in ballots and require no further action on their part.

Voters will go to the polls for Cedar Knolls Fire District No. 3 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20 at the Cedar Knolls Firehouse on Ridgedale Avenue to vote on a $2,110,124 budget, a slight tax increase over the previous budget.

The budget’s tax levy would be $1,377,597, creating a tax increase of half a penny per $100 of assessed property.

Cedar Knolls residents would see a tax rate of 9.4 cents per $100 assessed valuation or $94 on a property valued at $100,000. Last year’s rate was 8.9 cents per $100 valuation or $89 on a $100,000 property.

Commission Chairman Robert O’Hare said the average property valued at $450,000 would see a $23 increase in their taxes this year.

No one filed for fire commissioner this year, meaning all three open seats will need write-in ballots to seat a commissioner.

Whippany voters will vote on a $1,905,573 2021 budget that will see a tax rate of 7.94 cents per $100 assessed valuation or $79.40 on a $1 million property. Last year’s tax rate was 7.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation or $75.00 on a $100,000 property.

Voting will take place from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the new firehouse on Troy Hills Road.

For more information about Whippany Fire District click here. For Cedar Knolls Fire District, click here.

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