MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling joined the many program participants, their families, and guardians in celebrating the reopening of state-funded extended employment programs for people with disabilities.
Surrogate Darling has been very vocal in calling on Gov. Phil Murphy and Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo to restore the programs that employed thousands of individuals with disabilities until they were shut down in March under the Governor’s COVID-19 state of emergency directives.Extended employment providers were recently notified by Commissioner Asaro-Angelo that the re-opening process has begun.
“I am very pleased that the state will reopen these crucial programs that provide employment, jobs, and skills training to people with disabilities,” Darling said, thanking the Governor and Commissioner.
The programs will be reinstated as their written COVID-19 protocols are individually accepted by the DOLProviders are required to have approved re-opening plans to ensure that all appropriate precautions are being implemented to safeguard extended employees and staff.
On August 21, 2020, Surrogate Darling sent a letter to the Governor and DOL Commissioner requesting the programs be reopened.The Governor responded on September 2, 2020, by offering federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to reopen the programs, but no reopening dates were provided.
On September 3, 2020, Surrogate Darling issued a joint statement with Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (NJ-26) urging the Governor to provide a specific date for the reopening.Surrogate Darling also worked with extended employment programs, their directors, and advocates in a campaign for the reopening, sharing posts and videos on social media and calling for others to write letters or sign onto existing letters in support of reopening the programs.
“The lives of people in the disabled community have been severely impacted. It is crucial that they be able to return to work and resume as much of a normal life as every other citizen in New Jersey, and now they will,” Darling said.
A fond farewell to Reynold Fauci at the front gate of the Mennen Arena
MORRIS COUNTY — Reynold Fauci, Director of Recreation Facilities for the Morris County Park Commission, is hanging up his ice skates after overseeing operations at the William G. Mennen Sports Arena since the time it was being constructed in 1974.
Following a 46-year career with the Park Commission, Fauci will officially retire tomorrow, October 1, taking with him a lifetime of memories at the arena, where he hosted everyone from National Hockey League players and Olympic champion skaters to world-class tennis players and pop-music stars.
“I remember our opening day like it was yesterday. They were lined up out the door and we had to stop the rest from coming in. It was a popular place right from the start,” Fauci recalled of the arena’s Jan. 12, 1975 dedication.
He also recalled a litany of historic events and athletes, including visits from skating and tennis greats.
Reynold Fauci
“We had the first state high school ice hockey championship between Chatham and Brick. Standing room only. We had major tennis matches here, too. I remember I had to go to the airport to pick up Björn Borg, Ilie Năstase, and Rod Laver,” he said. “We also had the Eastern Figure Skating Championship for the amateur skaters who would go to the Olympics back in 1982, and in that group was Scott Hamilton, Elaine Zayak and Kitty and Peter Carruthers – all of them top skaters who went on to win.”
Fauci’s work with the Park Commission was rooted in his love for ice hockey.
Born in Morris County, he attended Morristown High School and played for the original County College of Morris ice hockey team, scoring their first goal before moving on to play semi-pro hockey for the Essex Comets and the Newark Brewers. When news broke in 1972 that the Park Commission and Morris County Board of Freeholders were considering construction of an ice-skating rink on donated land in Morris Township, Fauci began pursuing a job with the commission.
He was hired Sept. 17, 1974 as assistant manager and witnessed the official opening of the arena when it had just one rink and was designed with a ceiling high enough to qualify as a venue for professional tennis.
“The thinking then was that it had to serve a dual purpose, that it couldn’t be just for skating and ice hockey, so the ceiling was built to be 30 feet high to qualify for it to be used as a tennis court, too. We used to have to put big covers down on the rink,” recalled Richard Seabury III, a Morris County Park Commissioner since 1970 who joined Fauci at the arena yesterday for an impromptu farewell gathering.
Fauci was promoted to manager of the arena on September 1, 1980, and oversaw the expansion of the arena to include a second ice-rink in 1986 and a third in 2002, the same year he was promoted to Director of Recreation Facilities. The position expanded his responsibilities to include Lee’s County Park Marina at Lake Hopatcong and Mahlon Dickerson Reservation Campgrounds in Jefferson Township.
So why retire?
“After 46 years, it’s time,” said Fauci, explaining that he stayed on for so many years because he loved his job and especially his co-workers, most of whom retired before him.
“One of the keys that made us successful all these years is my administrative staff. I was very fortunate,” said Fauci. “They were such a great staff and we worked so well as a team here together. I mean we were all on the same page. It was a pleasure to come to work with that administrative staff and now, most of them are gone.”
Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith visited the arena yesterday to present Fauci with a resolution on behalf of the full board to recognize his many years with the Park Commission.
“Thank you for your dedication and your many years of service to Morris County, and congratulations on your retirement. We wish you the best,” said Director Smith, handing Fauci the framed resolution inside the arena’s original rink.
The resolution said the board: “Congratulates Reynold Fauci for his stellar tutelage of the Mennen Arena and additional recreational facilities over nearly five decades and extends their best wishes on a long and happy retirement. To a job well done, we say Thank You!”
Seabury was joined by two other Park Commission members are the farewell gathering, including Betty Cass-Schmidt, and Julie C. Baron.
Fauci lives in Randolph with his wife, Denise. They have a daughter, Jennifer, and son, Reynold A. Fauci, who also played high school and minor league hockey.
Mr. Fauci now has two grandchildren as well, and he said he watches his family skate at the Mennen Arena from time to time.
Morris County Park Commissioners Julie Baron and Betty Cass-Schmidt, retiring Director of Recreation Facilities Reynold Fauci, Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith, and Park Commission Vice President Richard Seabury, III
Retired NewBridge Services CEO Robert L. Parker speaks to NewBridge trustees and staff members gathered for the group home dedication ceremony on September 30 in Boonton
BOONTON — NewBridge Services Board of Trustees honored Robert L. Parker, the nonprofit’s longest-serving leader, by naming its original group home after him.
“Providing homes and support for people in need was so near-and-dear to Parker’s heart that we felt this was an appropriate way to honor him,” NewBridge Board of Trustees President Debbie King said.
NewBridge Services emeritus trustees Sharon Hollick and Jeff Gillman attended the Sept. 30 ceremony honoring retired CEO Robert L. Parker
Parker retired in March after 42 years with the nonprofit. He served 28 years as NewBridge’s leader.
A Key to Inclusiveness NewBridge bought the property in 1981 and converted the residence into a group home for six seniors who’d lived at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. It became one of New Jersey’s first long-term community residences for older adults hospitalized five years or more.
The state initially saw the group home as a place for former Greystone patients to live out their lives, Parker recalled. Instead, many residents improved and were able to return to the family or move to a place with less supervision. Parker House is now home to 10 adults of various ages.
When Parker took charge of NewBridge in 1992, he furthered the nonprofit’s housing efforts, seeing it as a key to inclusiveness for people with mental illness.
“The philosophy that Parker has always had is: these are people who have rights, and desires, and needs. We need to be there to give them the leg up that they so deserve, to have a home in the community they can call their own,” said NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden. Borden served 22 years as Parker’s second-in-command before taking the helm in April.
Housing Initiatives Grow “This is not about Bob Parker. This is about an organization — all the staff, volunteers, and partners — who recognize that people can recover from mental illness when they live in the community and receive treatment and support,” a teary-eyed Parker said.
In 1993, Parker spearheaded a program to provide 18 hours a day of intensive treatment services to former psychiatric hospital patients living in boarding homes. “I have no doubt that without Parker’s unique enthusiasm and selling of the concept to state officials, the program would not have happened,” said Jack Muzikowski, who retired as NewBridge’s director of Housing Services in 2005.
From there, NewBridge expanded case management and supportive housing programs that allow people to live and work in their communities, Muzikowski said.
Today, 53 adults live in NewBridge’s five group homes, making strides toward their goals in mental health, physical health, socialization, and daily living skills. Another 87 people diagnosed with persistent and chronic mental illness live on their own with support services from NewBridge. NewBridge, in collaboration with other nonprofits and local governments, also provides affordable housing to 100 people with special needs.
Robert L. Parker, who retired as CEO from NewBridge Services after 42 years with the nonprofit, talked about the inclusiveness and empowerment of housing for people with mental illness
Parker’s Legacy “Under Parker’s leadership, we developed so many residential opportunities for people with disabilities, affording everyone the chance to participate in our society,” said Carolyn Dean, NewBridge Director of Community Outreach and Support. “That’s a wonderful legacy to leave.”
Parker joined NewBridge in 1978 as director of its newly created youth services bureau. He led the nonprofit’s transformation from a local mental health agency into a multi-service community nonprofit.
NewBridge tackles some of society’s toughest issues, including mental illness, addiction, isolation, and homelessness, with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Last year, NewBridge helped nearly 8,000 children, adults, and seniors through its three pillars: counseling, housing, and education.
NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a leading provider of counseling services, housing, and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving nearly 8,000 adults and seniors last year alone. NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief, and challenging relationships; helps children who have been abused and neglected — and their families — heal; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its 57-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.
MORRIS COUNTY — The COVID death toll at New Jersey veterans’ homes has been increased by almost 50 after a review of state records, a development that exemplifies the need for more investigation, said Senator Joe Pennacchio.
Pennacchio, since May, has been calling for a Senate Select Committee with subpoena powers to scrutinize the Murphy Administration’s policies and decisions impacting coronavirus in long-term care facilities.
“The situation in the veterans’ homes may be emblematic of all the nursing homes in New Jersey,” said Pennacchio. “The state has full control over the veterans’ facilities. While the Administration has been quick to point fingers at private homes, the loss of life in veterans’ centers has been far worse.
“The state’s hypocrisy is troubling, blaming other actors when they are the worst actors of all.”
With 47 additional COVID deaths, the loss of life from two state-run veterans’ homes in Menlo Park and Paramus is now 190.
“The numbers are heartbreaking. We have lost one of every three veterans’ home residents,” Pennacchio said. “In nursing homes, 1 in 10 residents died, but the actual number of dead souls, if reflective of what happened in veterans’ homes, maybe much, much higher. Without getting truthful answers, we must consider the worst.”
Pennacchio said the Senate should look into whether state policies that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-positive residents contributed to the catastrophic results.
“The Senate’s failure to call a select committee with subpoena powers is indefensible, especially after it was announced they would do exactly that. On three separate occasions, the procedural move to allow this select committee was voted down by the Democrats. The state can’t even keep track of how many residents died. That alone should signal the need for an investigation,” Pennacchio said.
The Senate Republicans created a petition calling for the Legislature to investigate the more than 7,000 deaths in veterans’ and nursing homes. The petition is available by clicking here.
“We had a commitment to launch an investigation in May. How many more dead bodies have to be discovered before the Legislature follows through with its fiduciary and moral responsibilities,” said Pennacchio.
“Instead of circling the wagons to protect the Governor, the Senate should act now to ensure this never happens again.”
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker, and Chief Mark Roddy of the Hanover Police Department announce the arrest of William Wilson, 47, Belvidere, and Jeremiah Forde, 39, of Budd Lake. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Forde have been charged with Human Trafficking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8a(1)g, a crime of the first degree, Conspiracy to Commit Human Trafficking in violation of N.J.S.A.
2C:5-2/2C:13-8a(1)g, a crime of the first degree, Promoting Prostitution in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:34-1b(2), a crime of the third degree, and Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2/2C:34-1b(2), a crime of the third degree. Mr. Forde was also charged with three additional charges of Human Trafficking in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8a(1)b, N.J.S.A. 2C:13- 8a(1)c, and N.J.S.A. 2C:13-8(2), all crimes of the first degree.
It is alleged that between September 2018 and November 2018, Mr. Forde and Mr. Wilson forced an adult female to engage in acts of prostitution out of a Hanover hotel. Mr. Forde and Mr. Wilson received all the proceeds that were made as a result of the sex acts the female engaged in. Mr. Forde and Mr. Wilson manipulated the victim through the use of controlled dangerous substances. Additionally, it is alleged that the victim was not free to leave the hotel due to fear of physical abuse at the hands of Mr. Forde.
Mr. Wilson has been charged by warrant-complaint and is currently lodged at the Warren County Correctional Facility. Mr. Forde has been charged by warrant-complaint and is currently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Hanover Township Police Department, whose efforts contributed to the investigation and charges filed in this matter.
Anyone with information relating to these incidents or any related incident is asked to call Detective Martyna Ruminska of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6213 or Eric Prach of the Hanover Police Department at (973) 428-2515.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed a joint resolution (SJR38), which designates September of each year as “Sickle Cell Awareness Month”.
“Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects thousands in our state, predominantly those in our Black community, and those with sickle cell are also particularly vulnerable to COVID-19,” said Governor Murphy. “To New Jerseyans who are impacted by sickle cell, especially those who have also been impacted by this pandemic, we stand with you, and we are committed to promoting awareness and fighting this disease.”
“When sickle cell disease strikes, people need support, especially when they require intense treatments and procedures. Raising awareness in our communities for this debilitating genetic disorder that disproportionately affects African Americans is imperative,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “By designating September as Sickle Cell Awareness Month in New Jersey, we are in turn producing more resources and potentially life-saving awareness for individuals and families who are most affected.”
“As part of the state’s newborn screening program, all infants are screened for genetic diseases, like sickle cell, and families can be connected to health care services and resources,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “By increasing public awareness, we can continue to focus efforts on educating parents about this disease.”
“Sickle Cell disease is the most common genetic disease in the United States and primarily affects Black Americans, who often have the most difficult time securing adequate healthcare,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “With this designation, we will help to raise public awareness and connect more individuals with the treatment they need.”
“Not only does sickle cell disease impact individuals physically, but there is also often a financial burden associated with it due to the costly medicine and blood transfusions needed to manage symptoms,” said Senator Nellie Pou. “In 2011, New Jersey enacted legislation to require health insurance companies to cover treatment for sickle cell anemia and it is imperative that we continue to show support and care for those who suffer from this condition.”
In a joint-statement, Assemblymembers Annette Quijano and Britnee Timberlake said: “Designating Sickle Cell Awareness Month in New Jersey will encourage our state to play a more active role in helping members of the public understand exactly what this group of genetic disorders entail. Many people with the genetic trait for sickle cell disease are unaware that they have it. Yet if both a mother and father carry this trait, each of their children will have a 25 percent chance of being born with the disease. With more awareness, more people could get genetic testing that would help them understand and prepare for that possibility in advance. This resolution also asks the Governor to encourage public officials to conduct various programs and activities to help promote more widespread knowledge of this disease. The more residents understand the symptoms of sickle cell disease, the more they can seek out the care and treatment they need.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Acting Chief of Investigations Christoph Kimker and Morris County Park Police Chief Gabe DiPietro announce that the investigation into the June 28, 2020 death of Amanual “Amani” Kildea, 20, of Washington Township, has concluded.
On June 28, 2020, law enforcement received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 2:47 p.m. The caller indicated that the body of a young black male was observed hanging from a tree just off a hiking trail in Lewis Morris Park in Morristown.
First responders arrived at the scene and located the body of Amanual Kildea in a near seated position at the base of a tree, with a rope wrapped around his neck. This rope was connected to the tree approximately six-and-one-half feet from the ground, and Mr. Kildea’s body was partially suspended several inches off the ground.
There were no indications of a struggle observed at the scene. Subsequent investigation at the scene revealed Mr. Kildea’s wallet and cell phone to be in his pocket. Other personal items, including a laptop and backpack, were neatly placed near Mr. Kildea’s body.
Mr. Kildea’s car was subsequently located in a parking lot at the Park. Further investigation confirmed that Mr. Kildea had purchased the rope used in this incident from a Morris County home improvement center earlier on June 28, 2020. Mr. Kildea was alone at the time of purchase. Additional investigation revealed evidence that Mr. Kildea had conducted multiple internet searches related to suicide on June 28, 2020. The investigation did not reveal any evidence of criminality, nor is there any evidence of a connection between Mr. Kildea’s suicide and any other person or group.
The Morris County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination on Mr. Kildea’s body. The manner of death was determined to be suicide. The Medical Examiner did not identify any trauma to Mr. Kildea’s body that was inconsistent with the manner of death.
While the Morris County Prosecutor does not ordinarily issue public statements containing specific details regarding suicide investigations, there has been a great deal of inquiry related to this investigation.
As a result, now that the investigation has concluded, these details are being shared in order to provide as much transparency as possible. Moreover, the findings of this investigation have been shared with Mr. Kildea’s family.
Out of respect and consideration for Mr. Kildea’s family, there will be no further comment on the details of this investigation.
The investigation was conducted by the Morris County Park Police, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, and in consultation with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, which concurs with the findings herein.
HANOVER — The public is cordially invited to attend “America Strong,” a free concert to be performed outdoors at Malapardis Park starting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11. Sponsored by the Hanover Township’s Cultural Arts Committee, the program features the locally popular artistry of the Hanover Wind Symphony, led by Music Director Matthew J. Paterno.
According to Ed Abelew, the Cultural Arts Committee chairman, the concert is being held in part to thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) for providing the Wind Symphony rehearsal space and to “celebrate taking a first step” toward a return to “normalcy” with the ability to give performances at this time.
For safety and compliance with COVID-19 regulations, all persons attending will be required to wear masks throughout the performance and to maintain safe social distancing. All attendees must bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever they choose for comfortable seating during the concert.
Most Madison voters have already received their Vote By Mail ballots, and the Madison Republican Committee stands ready to help. Staffing the Republican booth at the Madison Farmers' Market are Madison Republican Committee members Jason Leffler, John Dew, Kathy Dailey and Sue Schreiber
MADISON — Alongside many favorite food vendors and farm stands, the Madison Republican Committee has been engaging shoppers at the Madison Farmers’ Market each Thursday this fall. Members of the committee have been spreading the word to their Madison area neighbors about the voting process for this year’s General Election.
“In Executive Order #177, Governor Murphy has required that New Jersey’s General Election will be conducted through Vote By Mail,” explained Sue Schreiber, who is spearheading the Madison Republican Committee’s voter education effort together with fellow committee member Alison Spatola.
“Registered voters will automatically receive a Vote By Mail ballot for the 2020 General Election,” Ms. Spatola added. “In fact, Madison voters started receiving their Vote By Mail ballots through the US Postal Service on September 25. We have been reaching out to voters at the Farmers’ Market, as well as through mail, e-mail, social media, and telephone, to explain the process so they are ready to cast their vote when the ballot arrives.”
The Madison Republican Committee has also helped many voters learn how to track their ballot and confirm that it has been received and accepted by the New Jersey Division of Elections. “It’s actually very easy to set up an account with the New Jersey Voter Registration System,” said Ms. Schreiber. “For many voters, establishing an account significantly reduces their anxiety about voting by mail. The system allows voters to see their own personal voter data and voting history, so they can check the status to see whether their vote has been counted yet or not.”
“We strongly urge voters to use their Vote By Mail ballots when they arrive,” emphasized Kathy Dailey, chairwoman of the Madison Republican Committee. “On election day, there will be just one polling location available in Madison, the Courtroom at Hartley Dodge Memorial Building. Voters will not be able to vote on machines but instead will be provided with paper provisional ballots. Provisional ballots are the last ballots counted in any election, and the voter error rate is relatively high with provisional ballots, so there is a greater risk of your vote not counting.”
“The very best option for voters in this year’s General Election is to use their Vote By Mail ballots,” Dailey concluded.
The Madison Republican Committee will continue its outreach to voters between now and Election Day. To sign up for the Madison Republican Committee’s email alerts, please visit MadisonNJGOP.com or email [email protected]
MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris (CCM) recently announced that its president, Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, made the 2020 NJBIZ Education Power 50 list for the second straight year. The list recognizes the leadership of educators during the COVID-19 pandemic and their roles in the economic recovery. Earlier this year, Iacono received the inaugural S.H.I.N.E. (Serves, Helps, Inspires, Nurtures, and Excel) award from Child & Family Resources of Morris County in recognition of the college’s programs to bring services and resources to diverse populations.
“It’s an honor and also humbling to be named to this list, which includes so many outstanding educational leaders in New Jersey,” said Iacono. “Being named to the Education Power 50 list testifies to all the great work, of the entire CCM community, to provide pathways for individuals to realize their dreams and develop the partnerships to strengthen our communities.”
Since his appointment as CCM’s third president in 2016, Iacono has focused on establishing the college as a community partner to provide diverse populations access to a high-quality education, build healthy and prosperous communities and meet the employment needs of business and industry.
When the COVID-19 pandemic reached New Jersey last March, forcing most businesses and all schools, colleges, and universities to close their doors, CCM took action. The campus served as a COVID-19 Testing Center, operated by Morris County and Atlantic Health System. The testing site, which operated on the campus from March 30 to June 26, provided nasal swab tests for more than 8,000 people from Morris and Sussex counties during its course of operations.
As COVID-19 cases increased in Morris County, placing a strain on Morristown Medical Center, CCM lent the hospital five ventilators and donated 325 N95 masks and 3,000 gloves. In response to pandemic hardships, CCM hosted a Table of Hope food and back-to-school backpack distribution event on its campus in March and in August. Throughout the pandemic, CCM faculty, students, staff, and graduates worked or volunteered on the front lines and supported essential workers by providing them with face masks, face shields, and food.
Under Iacono’s leadership, the college this year launched Dover College Promise (DCP), supported with a $110,000 grant from Impact 100 Garden State. DCP, in conjunction with the Educational Center in Dover, will provide low-income middle and high school students in the community with college-readiness training and support. Participants who graduate from high school in good standing also will receive scholarships to attend CCM.
To address the need for skilled employees in both the county and state, CCM opened the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC) this fall semester. With funding and support from the state, the Morris County Board of Commissioners, and local businesses, AMEC was constructed to provide a pipeline of new employees and to update the skills of current employees.
With a $4 million four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, CCM expanded its apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing. Those programs began this fall semester.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, October 2020 issue
