MORRIS COUNTY —The 200 Club of Morris County announced that it welcomed 45 new members at a recent recruitment event at Jersey Girl Brewing in Mount Olive.
The nonprofit continues to support local and state police, fire, and EMS personnel who protect the families in Morris County. Since 1971, The 200 Club has given more than $5 million to first responder families, either in the form of death benefits and dependent awards when a first responder dies in the line of duty, as well as college scholarships to high school seniors of Morris County first responders, or seniors who are Morris County first responders themselves.
“Our members help us keep our promise to the first responders who protect and care for our families,” said Jim Rizzo, who is the president of The 200 Club of Morris County. “We will continue to grow our community so we can give back to all the police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel that sacrifice themselves for us.”
The recruitment event included a tour of the 10,000 square-foot brewery where all members enjoyed specialty craft beers generously provided by Jersey Girl Brewing owner Chuck Aaron, who is also a board member of The 200 Club, along with abundant appetizers and light fare, courtesy of Enzo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria of Mt. Olive. As an event-planning destination, Jersey Girl Brewing Co. provided the perfect venue for the evening’s event, boasting a sample room with high-top tables and an outdoor beer garden.
Rizzo thanked the well-deserved efforts of Vice President Rob D’Emidio, Membership Committee Chair V.P. Joe Jannarone, Chairman of the Board Bill Lockwood, board and club members, and supporters for a successful event.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2021. Click here for the complete article.
"Urania's Mirror," 2021, oil and collage on canvas, 9" x 12" by Joseph Losavio
MORRIS COUNTY — Joseph Losavio, a contemporary, visionary painter, is exhibiting, ‘Urania’s Mirror’ at the County College of Morris (CCM) Art & Design Gallery.
The collection of 32 astronomical star chart cards incorporate illustrations based on Alexander Jamiesons’s “A Celestial Atlas,” also known as “a view of the Heavens.” Losavio’s works will be exhibited from July 29, through September 23.
Losavio lives and works in Sussex County. He connects on a deep level with the environment and finds the earth to be “an extension of self, with its glorious diversity and mysterious inner force.” After teaching art in public schools for 27 years, he now pursues painting full-time, “exploring the realms of art, psychology, and spirituality.”
There will be a reception on Thursday, September 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission to both the reception and gallery is free.
For more information about the Art and Design programs offered at CCM click here.
MADISON — Madison is waiting for Morris County to certify the borough’s tax rate, announced Madison Council President Maureen Byrne who was filling in for Astri Baillie who did not attend the recent council meeting.
If the county does certify the tax rate this week, the Madison Tax Collector’s Office will mail out bills to residents this week, said Byrne.
Payments are due August 1, 2021, but a grace period will be allowed and no penalties will be assessed if payment is received by August 10. Council President Byrne stressed that payments must be received by August 10.
Residents who may be away and don’t want to incur penalties and late fees have two options for their August tax bill, said Byrne. Residents can pay their taxes online with a checking account or they can mail in a check with last quarter’s amount.
As always, residents are encouraged to check www.rosenet.org for updates.
Celebrating the Madison Area YMCA’s LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA 20th graduation are graduates Mary Ann Olivieri, John Longo, Dora Monseratte, Donald Gulbicki and Health & Wellness Director Christian Esola. Not pictured is Barbara Hartmann
MADISON — Madison Area YMCA’s 20th LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA class graduated on Thursday, July 1. The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program supports cancer survivors and their families through a no-fee, 12-week, research-based program that engages them in physical and social activities to strengthen the whole person.
Bringing those affected by cancer a significant step forward toward sustained healthy living beyond cancer diagnosis and recovery, survivors are encouraged to come as they are, no matter what stage of wellness they are in. The 12-week program brings together cancer survivors and YMCA staff trained in cancer care to achieve goals such as building muscle mass and strength; increasing flexibility and endurance; improving confidence and self-esteem; and ultimately practicing a healthy lifestyle, not only as a part of recovery but as a way of life.
In existence since 2013, the no-fee program which also offers complimentary Y services to survivors’ family members, receives support from our community through donations and sponsorships.
To learn more about LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, please contact Health & Wellness Director Christian Esola by email at [email protected] or call the Madison Area YMCA at 973-822-YMCA (9622).
The Madison Area YMCA is a mission-driven charitable organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Generous donations make it possible for everyone in the community to be enriched by the Y, regardless of ability to pay, to develop a healthy spirit, mind, and body at any age.
MADISON — Good news for Morris Arts fans wondering whether it’s beloved Giralda Music & Arts Festival will return this year.
The answer is YES!
However, the annual event in Madison will take place on August 28, 2021 rather than early summer. The rain date is August 29, 2021.
Attendees will still be able to enjoy the beauty of a performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra while relaxing on the lush grounds of the Giralda Farms Corporate Park, (the former Dodge Estate), off Madison Avenue. As in the past, there also will be children’s activities, an art show and sale, food trucks, and the picnic contest – with prizes awarded to the most inventive picnics.
So mark your calendars and plan to close the summer by joining the fun at Morris Arts’ 37th Giralda Music & Arts Festival.
Date:Saturday, August 28, 2021 (rain date: Sunday, August 29, 2021)
Time: Gates open at 3:00 p.m. The concert starts at 5:00 pm
Location: Giralda Farms, Dodge Drive and Madison Avenue, (Rt. 124), Madison, NJ 07940 Tickets: (take advantage of lower pricing for advance tickets!)
In advance: Adults: $20 adults (over 12); Children: $4; under 4, free. (Group sales, 10 or more, $15 adults)
At the gate: Adults: $25 adults (over 12); Children: $5; under 4, free.
Individuals needing special assistance or accommodation should contact Bethany Russo (973) 285-5115 Ext. 18 or [email protected] at least 14 days prior to the event to ensure appropriate arrangements.
In the event of uncertain weather, please check the website www.morrisarts.org AFTER 12 p.m. on the day of the concert for the latest updates.
Morris Arts wish to thank its generous sponsors:
Giralda Property Sponsors: Open Spaces Management Association Inc., GRC Management Corp., Lincoln Equities LLC, Giralda Farms RE LLC, Linque Management Company, Inc., American Realty Capital, 1 Giralda Farms LLC, Onyx Management Group LLC, Fazio Farms LLC, 7 Giralda Realty LLC, Mack-Cali Realty Corp., Atlantic Health System.
Community Sponsors: Crum & Forster Insurance, MetLife Foundation, Broadridge Financial, Village Super Market, Inc., MCM Wealth Management, County of Morris, Township of Chatham and Morris County Park Commission, Topology, Celebrity Motor Car Company.
All proceeds benefit the many programs and services provided to artists, arts organizations, schools and the community by Morris Arts. So, invite that special someone, friends, family, neighbors, club members or college chums to share a picnic and help support the important work of Morris Arts, which has been building community through the arts for 48 years.
Commissioner Selen talks to attendees of the JBWS 45th Anniversary celebration with JBWS CEO Diane Williams
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County honored JBWS for 45 years of service in combating domestic violence and aiding survivors of abuse during an anniversary dinner hosted by the organization in Florham Park.
JBWS, founded in 1976 as a hotline by a small group of domestic violence survivors, has since expanded its services to shelter and assist all people dealing with domestic violence. The organization works to protect and empower its clients as well as to rehabilitate family members, advocate for social change to prevent partner violence, and educate the public about domestic violence and its consequences.
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, a liaison to Human Services operations in the county, presented a resolution on behalf of the entire Morris County Board of County Commissioners. It declared that “JBWS be recognized and commended for its 45 years of outstanding service to the community and that all residents support those working diligently to end violence in our lives.”
State Sen. Anthony Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, both of the 25th Legislative District, also presented honors to JBWS at the event held in the Park Avenue Club.
Assemblywoman Dunn and Sen. Bucco also presented honors to JBWS CEO Diane Williams
The Morris County resolution noted that, after the hotline calls increased in 1976, the need to help people find safety became more urgent following the tragic murders of two people who had reached out to the organization for help. The Morris County community responded by raising funds to open the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter in 1978. The organization later became known simply as the JBWS as its mission expanded beyond a hotline, safe house, and counseling services.
Today, JBWS has more than 200 volunteers and provides transitional living arrangements, support for children and adolescents, and provides batterers’ intervention services. It also provides housing assistance, school-based teen dating abuse prevention programs, professional training, and a multi-discipline family justice center.
More than 113,000 families have been sheltered or counseled by JBWS and 487,000 teens and adults have been educated about domestic violence.
Superior Court Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz reads the oath of office to Prosecutor Carroll, while the prosecutor’s wife, Roseann, and daughter, Kimberly, assist in the swearing in.
MORRIS COUNTY — Robert J. Carroll, appointed in October by Governor Phil Murphy to serve as acting prosecutor in Morris County, was formally sworn into the job on July 9 during a Morristown ceremony after his nomination to the post was cleared last week by the state Senate Judiciary Committee.
Carroll was sworn in by Superior Court Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz of the Morris and Sussex vicinage, while the prosecutor’s wife, Roseann, and daughter, Kimberly, held the bible in the public meeting room of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
“The question that I have been asked by most of my contemporaries is, why did I want to return to criminal justice, yet again, to which I repeated the same answer,” Carroll told the crowd of family, friends, and colleagues who attended. “I was simply not comfortable watching from the sidelines the growing divide between communities and law enforcement — and with the huge added challenge of COVID, which strained and exhausted so many, I believed that with my experience and judgment earned in over four decades of legal practice, as well as law enforcement, I could and should offer to help.”
ormer Morris County Prosecutor Frederic Knapp (right) talked with Attorney General Grewal and Acting Attorney General Bruck prior to the swearing-in.
Among those in attendance were Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and New Jersey’s leading Assistant Attorney General, Andrew Bruck, who will take over as acting attorney general when Grewal assumes a new federal post next week as head of security for the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“This is a great day, not just for this office and not just for the residents of this county, but for the residents of this state as well. Because this is a prosecutor who gets it. He understands what this job is about. He understands that it’s about more than numbers. It’s about delivering justice and it’s about standing up for all of the residents of this county and the state,” said Grewal.
Also in attendance were Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, Commissioner Tayfun Selen, state Senators Anthony Bucco and Richard Codey, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Surrogate Heather Darling, former Morris County Prosecutor Frederic Knapp, County Administrator John Bonanni, New Jersey Turnpike Executive Director John Keller and Carroll’s long-time law partner, Guy Michael. Staff from the prosecutor’s office, county offices, and court staff also attended.
Carroll has extensive law enforcement experience.
Starting as an Essex County Investigator in the early 1970s, Carroll becomes an Assistant Prosecutor. He initially worked in the Trial and Appellate sections, and later served as Assistant Prosecutor/Supervisor of Organized Crime and Special Prosecutions section in that agency.
Morris County officials who attended the swearing-in included (l-r) Deputy Administrator Deena Leary, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners Debra Lynch, Sen. Anthony Bucco, Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw, and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn
In 1980, he was selected to become a state Deputy Attorney General in the elite Special Prosecutions Section of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, a unit he later headed. Carroll was subsequently appointed in 1986 to Supervising Deputy Attorney General, Organized Crime and Racketeering Task Force (OCRTF) at the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
He was later promoted to Chief/Assistant Attorney General of the task force in 1989, when he investigated and prosecuted major New Jersey criminal enterprises and public corruption, including organized crime members, associates, and their criminal “crews.” Carroll’s cases included the infamous “Iceman” killer, Richard Kuklinski, who was convicted of several brutal murders that have been the subject of many news and history programs.
Prosecutor Carroll and Attorney General Grewal chatted prior to the swearing in, at which Grewal praised Carroll’s appointment.
Carroll also led investigations into five La Cosa Nostra crime families and personally prosecuted the hierarchy of the New Jersey Lucchese Crime Family, achieving a major RICO-murder conviction.
Carroll has acted as an instructor for a number of law enforcement institutions, including the New Jersey State Police Academy and Essex County Police Academy, and has educated hundreds of state and tribal leaders in law enforcement and anti-corruption methods.
Before becoming Acting Morris County Prosecutor, Carroll served as Director of the Law Department for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the largest toll road authority in North America. He also had served as Acting Sussex County Prosecutor and had supervised thousands of background investigations while serving as a Chairman of a Gaming Commission and Compliance Officer for major Native American Gaming Facilities.
Carroll earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Wake Forest University, where he was a scholarship football player. He holds a J.D. from the Seton Hall University School of Law. He also holds an Executive Certificate for Leadership Development from Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations.
Carroll also has been recognized and received commendations from numerous federal and New Jersey state law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, Federal Organized Crime Strike Force, US Marshalls, US Attorney’s Office, NJ State Police, NJ DCJ, and numerous Prosecutor’s Offices for his leadership work on organized crime and effective inter-agency team building.
MORRIS COUNTY — Coming through the other side of the pandemic, the County College of Morris is poised to continue changing lives and strengthening communities with more momentum than ever. As the community’s college, CCM’s strong student success rates and innovative career-focused programs provide pathways for anyone aspiring to secure a better future and be part of something exceptional.
CCM’s advances in becoming a comprehensive community college have not gone unnoticed. This year alone, CCM gained several new rankings, including:
Placing in the top 1.8% of community colleges in the nation
Academic Influence
#1 in New Jersey for Associate Degrees
Intelligent.com
#1 in Alumni Salaries in New Jersey for the fourth year in a row
Payscale.com
#1 Choice for Online Business Associate Degree in New Jersey
Business Degree Central
#5 Business School in New Jersey
Business Degree Central
The college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion similarly is evidenced by the increase in the number of scholarships and other aid it awards – now totaling more than $20 million a year, allowing students to graduate with minimum to zero debt. The CCM Foundation also created an emergency fund for students needing money for unanticipated expenses. In addition, CCM obtained grant funding to help students to pay for childcare. The college also operates on-campus food pantries in partnership with nourish.NJ.
“I love the mission of community colleges. We were built for impact by ensuring life-changing opportunities for members of our communities,” says Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of CCM. “We change lives and strengthen communities in ways that have a profound impact on our social, cultural, and economic systems. CCM takes great pride in serving individuals from all backgrounds with various needs and interests while being central to helping make Morris County a great place to live, work and play.”
Throughout the pandemic, CCM continued to focus on becoming a comprehensive school that provides clear pathways for all students to pursue their dreams. CCM’s pathways include helping learners who seek an associate degree, preparing those who desire to earn a bachelor’s degree, and providing certificates and other industry-recognized credentials to gain a well-paying and rewarding career.
Partnering with industry and community leaders and listening to their needs has been a major focus at CCM. The result has led to new programs including paramedic science, built in partnership with Atlantic Health System. Since 2016, CCM has launched 16 new programs, 132 new classes, and dozens of new certificates. With a $4 million USDOL grant, CCM has launched an expansive Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program that leads to rewarding careers throughout the region. These apprenticeships are developed with industry professionals and offered in CCM’s new regional Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. Over the past year, apprenticeship programs were also developed to train certified nurse aids and pharmacy technicians. CCM also launched a paralegal program and a data analytics certificate that can be completed in eight months. The college is also preparing to offer a packaging design program. In addition, CCM launched its Dover College Promise program to provide middle and high school students with free afterschool tutoring and mentoring, along with scholarships to attend CCM upon graduation. This initiative will be expanded throughout Morris County to provide maximum opportunities for community members.
“Ensuring all members of the community have access to a great education that leads to rewarding careers and fulfilling life is our mission. Increasing diversity and advancing equitable practices is now the cornerstone of CCM and it is upon this foundation that we build our next, and, I believe, most powerful chapter in our college’s history,” says Iacono. “We are the college for the community, the whole community. We have a seat for everyone with a dream. Our goal is helping you to achieve yours.”
To learn more about all CCM has to offer, visit www.ccm.edu/. You also can follow the college on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Rental assistance funds are still available in Morris County
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County announced that federal rental assistance remains available to qualified families and can assist landlords, as Legal Services of New Jersey additionally warned renters not to ignore court notices related to the settlement of eviction actions.
The announcements come as New Jersey’s COVID-19 moratorium on residential evictions prepares to end in January.
The Morris County Department of Humans Services has received more than $14.6 million in rental assistance to disperse among qualified families. The aid can assist landlords as well as qualified families.
At the same time, Legal Services in New Jersey is warning renters not to ignore notices of mandatory settlement conferences if their landlords already have filed eviction notices. (read more below)
RENTAL ASSISTANCE
“Rental assistance funds are still available in Morris County and the State of New Jersey to people from low- and moderate-income households who had a substantial reduction in income, have qualified for unemployment benefits, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kasey Errico, Director of Morris County Human Services.
As of last week, 1,541 applications were submitted, with 513 applications being approved to date and those households receiving more than $4 million in aid.
Morris County is urging renters to determine if they qualify and to apply.
Renters may inquire about the program by simply checking the criteria provided at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) COVID-19 Information website. Some of the qualifications also are listed further below.
The federal Emergency Rental Assistance funding is designed to help avert a housing crisis for tenants in critical need of such support. The funding also will bring needed relief to landlords, who have been challenged by the financial impacts of the pandemic as well, according to Errico.
Morris County partnered with the DCA, as have other counties, to utilize the state’s program vendor and eliminate confusion for those in need by using one online portal to access the assistance application.
KNOW OF EVICTION ACTIONS & YOUR RIGHTS
While Governor Phil Murphy’s pandemic moratorium on evictions does not expire until January 2022, it does not prevent landlords from initiating eviction court proceedings before then – and New Jersey courts may summon renters for “mandatory settlement conferences” well before the eviction moratorium deadline.
The conferences are only designed to determine whether an eviction case may be settled without going to trial and do not obligate any renter or landlord to enter into an agreement.
But appearances are mandatory.
“If you do not appear, a default judgment will enter against you, meaning you will lose the case,” Legal Services warned in a new flyer.
The agency also advised renters that they do not have to agree to settle the case, just appear for the conference.
“You do not have to agree to pay any money. You do not have to agree to move out. Landlords and tenants who do not make an agreement will have a trial scheduled when the court starts holding trials,” said Legal Services.
Legal Services in New Jersey has a hotline and website application for families facing eviction to determine if they are eligible for free legal advice:
Call (908) 231-0840 or apply online by clicking here.
MORE ON RENTAL ASSITANCE
The umbrella name for the federal rental assistance program is the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II or CVERAP PHASE II. The first phase was launched in July 2020, using $91.75 million in federal funds, which assisted about 15,000 New Jersey residents. New Jersey has been provided $353 million for the second phase.
The program covers two areas:
Emergency Rental Assistance for Arrears: Applicants may be eligible for up to a maximum of twelve months of emergency rental assistance to help pay for rent arrears and future rent to the extent that funds are available. Families that have already received funding through Phase I of the program, that need additional rent support, and have not yet received the maximum twelve months of emergency rental assistance can apply for additional funding.
Emergency Rental Assistance for Current and Future Rents: Financial assistance is limited to three months based on the application submitted, except that the household may receive additional assistance for additional months subject to the availability of remaining funds and eligibility, not to exceed 12 months (plus an additional three months if necessary to ensure housing stability).
Persons applying must meet all applicable income and eligibility requirements. You must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply or be an emancipated minor. Only one (1) application per household will be accepted. Applications will be accepted until enough applications have been received to ensure the distribution of all available funds. A computerized selection (lottery) process will be used to select residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 for eligibility determination.
Eligibility Criteria: Selected households must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for assistance:
Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic;
Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability;
Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income (please see income limits below);
Have a lack of assets and savings to pay rent arrears or current and future rent;
Be a New Jersey resident; and
Obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling.
The program will only pay for rent arrears incurred after March 13, 2020.
Property managers or owners of a residential dwelling may apply for assistance on behalf of a tenant.
The landlord must:
Obtain the signature of the tenant on the application, which may be documented electronically; and
Must provide documentation of the application to the tenant to notify the tenant that the application has been submitted.
The conferences are only designed to determine whether an eviction case may be settled without going to trial and do not obligate any renter or landlord to enter into an agreement.