Letter to the editor: Drivers need to stop at crosswalks

Dear Editor:

In the shadow of last month’s tragic pedestrian death in Lake Parsippany, I want to offer my condolences for our community’s loss.

I also want to address the fact we must do much better in stopping for pedestrian crosswalks.

At about 12:40 p.m. Saturday September 9, 2017, I was out for a jog and attempting to cross Allentown Road at the intersection of Marmora Road. I stood in the painted crosswalk as two cars ignored the “STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS IN THE CROSSWALK” sign that was in the middle of the road not 100 feet away. I pointed at the sign and gestured to “slow down,” as instructed by the Parsippany’s Police Force at the Sedgefield Meet the Candidates Night in May. The first driver ignored me completely. The second gave me an enthusiastic thumbs up out the window as he sailed by. This refusal of drivers to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks is no isolated incident. It happens to me regularly, even when pushing my young child in a jogging stroller.

Clearly, a new safety study and plan is desperately needed. But drivers must also obey the traffic and pedestrian laws, as written for today.

When we break from a sense of community and neighborhood and retreat into entitlement and social isolation, then we are truly broken.

I believe that we can all do better—that we will do better.

Let’s start at the crosswalk.

Sincerely,
Emily Peterson
Candidate for Town Council

Two arrested on first degree drug charges by Morris County Narcotics Task Force

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Mount Olive Police Chief Stephen Beecher and Chief Conrad Pepperman of the Rockaway Borough Police Department announce the arrest of two individuals for first-degree possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute and second-degree possession of heroin with the intent to distribute.

During the summer of 2017, members of the Mount Olive Police Department Detective Bureau obtained information concerning an individual in Morris County distributing a large volume of heroin.  Based on that information, a joint investigation was initiated by Mount Olive Police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force. 

The investigation culminated Thursday when investigators seized approximately seven ounces of cocaine and 2,450 dosages (individual folds) of heroin.  The estimated street value of the illegal drugs seized is in excess of $20,500.   

The following two individuals were arrested as a result of this investigation:

Jose Miguel Majia, 48, Rockaway Township,  was charged with the following:

One count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute. 

One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (heroin).

One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine). 

Two counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine). 

One count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (heroin).

Ines Maria Ribera-Rodiguez, 58, Rockaway Township,  was charged with the following:

One count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute. 

One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (heroin).

One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).

Two counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).

One count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (heroin).

Pursuant to the recently-instituted bail reform, Majia and Ribera-Rodriquez were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a first appearance.  

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force and its participating agencies), the Mount  Olive Police Department, the Rockaway Borough Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts related to this investigation.        

Prosecutor Knapp said, “This investigation targeted individuals responsible for importing and distributing a steady supply of heroin in Morris County. 

parsippany news
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and its Narcotics Task Force partners will continue to combat the opiate epidemic through enforcement efforts targeting for profit drug dealers. Fortunately we removed from our community over 2,000 dosages of heroin with these arrests.”

This investigation was conducted under the direction of MCPO Captain Brian Keane, Commander of the Narcotics Task Force, and Detective Lieutenant Luis Sanchez of the Mount Olive Police Department.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

UPS to hire more than 1,500 for holiday season

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS —  UPS® has announced that it expects to hire more than 1,500 seasonal employees in the Parsippany and Saddle Brook areas to support the anticipated increase in package volume that will begin in November and continue through January 2018. Nationally, UPS expects to hire about 95,000 seasonal employees.

“Our seasonal jobs often lead to permanent employment and even careers for some,” said CEO David Abney. “We offer flexible shifts and full- and part-time positions. If you are a student, a working mom or just looking to make extra money for the holidays, we have a job for you.” 

The full- and part-time seasonal positions – primarily package handlers, drivers and driver-helpers – have long been an entry point for permanent employment at UPS. Many senior UPS executives, including CEO David Abney and three other members of the company’s Management Committee, started their UPS careers as part-time employees.

Tractor-trailer driver jobs start at $34.45 per hour. Pay for package handlers and driver-helpers starts at $10.20 per hour.

Over the last three years, 35 percent of the people UPS hired for seasonal package handler jobs were later hired in a permanent position when the holidays were over.

Jackie Nicholas, a full-time recruiter at UPS, began her career as a seasonal employee in 1998. “As a mother, the great pay and benefits have been critical for my family, and so has the flexibility,” said Jackie. “After my husband got home from work we’d put the kids to bed and then I’d head off to work the overnight shift. I could sleep when I got home and still have time to attend the kids’ field trips and classroom events.” She added, “Now that the kids are out of college I’m working full-time.” 

Permanent UPS jobs – including part-time jobs – come with excellent pay and benefits, including healthcare and retirement benefits. At many UPS® locations, part-time employees in college are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in tuition assistance through the company’s Earn and Learn program. 

UPS is hiring at the following locations.

·         Parsippany – 799 Jefferson Road, Parsippany.

·         Saddle Brook – 280 North Midland Avenue, Saddle Brook.

Interested job seekers can easily apply for holiday season opportunities by clicking here. Applicants must apply online. UPS will also be recruiting on campuses at upcoming NCAA college football games this fall. Videos featuring employees describing their work experience at UPS are also available at the UPS jobs website.

UPS is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including transporting packages and freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.

Team Sean: Tackle Childhood Cancer

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — During Friday evening, September 15, Vikings Varsity Football game ten-year old Sean Ries shook hands with the Chatham football team’s captains and flipped the coin to start the game. The Cougars called tails, won the toss, and elected to receive.

The Parsippany Hills varsity football team won the home conference game against Chatham by a score of 41-12.

mayor james barberio
Sean Ries during the Parsippany Hills Vikings vs. Chatham game held on Friday night.

Sean Ries, a 10-year-old from Mount Tabor who has a brain tumor, led the Parsippany Hills football team Friday in his black-and-blue No. 58 Little Vikings jersey.

parsippany hills high school
Sean Ries 20 yard line of Friday nights game, PHHS vs. Chatham

The Parsippany Hills football players wore gold socks Friday night, with the cheerleaders in big gold hair bows. Some also had Gold Out T-shirts under their uniforms, the color occasionally visible around the black-and-blue. Many spectators in the stands wore a gold ribbon pinned to their shirts.

Parsippany Hills High School and the Little Vikings youth programs will be wearing something gold in all their games this fall.

Brenda Ries, Sean’s mom, founded the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation in 2014 to fundraise for the Greenfield and Mark Souweidane’s research at the Weill Cornell Pediatric Brain and Spine Center. The foundation has awarded almost $200,000 to targeted research.

Little Vikings football team will hold its own Gold Out day on September 30, with proceeds going to the Morris County Youth Football League charity for families battling life-threatening illnesses.

Sean Reis is a 10 year-old Parsippany boy battling a rare form of brain cancer.

On February 6, 2012, at just four years old, Sean was diagnosed with a large dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) in the left side of his brain, and underwent his first of multiple surgeries the next day. Since then, Sean’s tumor has been in remission for several years, however his family recently learned that the battle is not yet over.

In May, Sean underwent his fourth brain surgery to remove the new tumor that was discovered in February, and since recovering from that, has spent his summer undergoing daily radiation treatment. 

Brenda Reis, Sean’s mother said “We are so grateful for the support we receive from our amazing “little” town of Parsippany.” 

Sean is a fifth grade student at Mt. Tabor Elementary School.

Hit and Run Crash at Halsey and Lawrence Road; Driver arrested for DWI

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to a hit and run motor vehicle crash at Halsey Road and Lawrence Road at 4:26 p.m. on Thursday, September 14.

Upon arrival of Patrol Sergeant Matthew LaManna, he spoke to a victim and a witness to the crash. Patrol Officer Lampros Nicos responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.

While there, the 2009 Hyundai Sonata and driver returned to the scene.

It was determined that the 2012 Honda Civic that was travelling through the intersection had the right of way and the driver failed to stop at the stop sign crashing into the passenger side rear of the vehicle.

The driver was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to police headquarters.

While at Parsippany Police Headquarters he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated;
Reckless Driving; Leaving the Scene of an Accident; and Failure to Stop or Yield.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Parsippany Chamber hosts Speed Networking

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) held a “Speed Networking” on Wednesday, September 20.  The event was held at Morris Adult Day Care, 784 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza.

Members had the opportunity to network with members, discuss their services and exchange business cards. Morris Adult Day Care also provided the members with pizza, subs, and various soft drinks.

Morris Adult Day Care is a state licensed adult medical day care program. Their 8,000 square foot State of art facility offers daily service. Their experienced staff delivers Nursing, Social Work, Activities and Transportation. They offer services to seniors and adults who may have physical limitations, in a stimulating environment during the day.

Their clients enjoy our daily, delicious and nutritious meals, activities, trips and new friendships. our staff has the skills to assists you with your health and physical needs.

For more information on Morris Adult Day Care Center, click here.

Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with our local and county governments and stand ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. We promote a healthy and more prosperous economic climate.

For more information click here.

The Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will host “Juice up your morning” on Thursday, September 28 at 8:30 a.m. at Valley National Bank, 800 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Plaza. Join the chamber for food, fun and networking. Bring plenty of business cards. A complimentary continental breakfast will be provided by Valley National Bank.

 

Homeless man tried to cash fraudulent check at M&T Bank

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Parsippany-Troy Hill Police Patrol Officer Edward Elston and James Seeger responded to the M&T Bank, 240 Baldwin Road at 3:08 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12 on a report of suspected identity theft.

Upon their arrival, they spoke to the bank manager who advised them that a male was inside the bank attempting to cash a fraudulent check.

Officers made contact with the male, later identified as Frank Diaz, 53, homeless male.

He initially gave officers a license which was found to be fraudulent. After further investigation Officers were able to confirm Mr. Diaz’s identity and also spoke to the victim listed on the check who confirmed the check was fraudulent.

Mr. Diaz was then placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. While there, he was processed and charged with two counts of 4th Degree Credit Card Theft;  one count of 3rd Degree Knowingly Exhibiting a False Government Issued Document (Driver’s License); one count of 3rd Degree Impersonation; Theft of Identity;  one count of 3rd Degree Forgery; and one count of 4th Degree Forgery.

He was also wanted on two Traffic Warrants and one Criminal Warrant.

He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his initial court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Guest arrested at Hilton Hotel for multiple offenses

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Hilton Hotel for an irate guest that the hotel wanted removed from the premises at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 10.

Upon arrival Patrol Officer Zachary Koch was advised by hotel staff that hotel guest Ali Maqsudi, 26, Montville, became angry when his room access card failed to work. They further advised Officer Koch that Mr. Maqsudi left the hotel building and returned shortly after with a hammer and threated to harm an employee who issued him the access card. He was then given another access card by an employee and then left the lobby.

The Officers then responded to the room Mr. Maqsudi was staying in. After a brief investigation, he was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters.

While there he was processed and charged with one count of 3rd Degree Terroristic Threats; one count of 3rd Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose Simple Assault; and a Disorderly Persons Offense.

He was released on his own recognizance pending his court date.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Driver arrested after Motor Vehicle Crash

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Police Officers from Parsippany, Morris Township, and the Morris County Park Police responded to a vehicle off the roadway into the woods near West Hanover Avenue and Raynor Road at 1:34 a.m. on Thursday, September 7.

Upon arrival of Parsippany officers, they were advised that 2008 Honda CRV was found unoccupied. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit was requested to assist in tracking down the driver due to his unknown status.

Shortly after the arrival of the MCSO K-9 Unit, the Morris Township Police Department found the driver, identified as Edward Bergman, 50, Parsippany, standing outside 340 West Hanover Avenue.

After a brief investigation by Parsippany officers, Mr. Bergman was transported to Morristown Medical Center by ambulance for treatment of a leg injury and advised that he was under arrest for driving while intoxicated.

He was charged with Hindering Apprehension, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Driving While Suspended, Fail to Observe Traffic Lanes, Abandonment of Vehicle on Private Property, Unsafe Speed across a Sidewalk, Unsafe Tires
Failure to Report an Accident and Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident.

He was subsequently transported the Morris County Correctional Facility pending an initial appearance on his Hindering Apprehension charge.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Kiwanis Club presented seminar on “Child Safety”

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany presented a free seminar on “Prevent your Child from Being Kidnapped, Abducted, or Sexually Exploited,” on Tuesday, September 19 at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road.

Approximately 2,000 children are reported missing each day or ONE EVERY 37 SECONDS.

Help protect your child from becoming a part of these alarming statistics by attending this program on child safety. Attendees were provided with the tools to prevent child abduction, kidnapping and sexual exploitation as well as the safe use of technology (PCs and cell phones).  Mr. Robinson will dispel common safety myths, while providing skills parents, educators and police can teach children to help prevent them from becoming a victim.

Our guest speaker, Alan J. Robinson has spent years with NCMEC/Project ALERT (“America’s Law Enforcement Retiree Team”), a division of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, funded by the Department of Justice and the Adam Walsh Foundation. He is a national speaker on “Measures to Prevent your Child from Being  Kidnapped, Abducted, or Sexually Exploited”.

Mr. Robinson is an expert in this field and has authored numerous articles on the subject; he is a police academy instructor and provides training workshops for: the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, FBI, corporations, PTA’s and school systems.  He has made several TV appearances, been the subject of many news articles, as well as the recipient of many awards for his work in this field from state governors, prosecutors, and law enforcement as well as many grateful parents and educators.

This seminar was provided by Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and The Morris County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, Parsippany ShopRite and Parsippany IHOP provided refreshments for the event.

Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.

Kiwanis members dedicate more than six million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. Join Kiwanis for breakfast to learn how you can change the world “one child, one community.”

For more information click here.