PARSIPPANY — There are two videos for the Township meeting of Tuesday, March 7.
Here is part two
Another Successful Parsippany Chamber Networking Event
PARSIPPANY — “Developing A Successful Marketing Plan for the Small Business” was the topic presented at a Breakfast Networking Event held by the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 10.
The Breakfast Networking Series is held at IHOP, 792 Route 46
This PACC Breakfast Presentation was presented by Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of Marketshare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network
A Marketing Plan offers a simple strategy or set of strategies, a marketing calendar, an evaluation system and a series of tactics that give you complete control of your marketing activities.
Topics discussed included “How to put your Marketing Plan together, Budgeting your plan, The initiatives you must take to make it happen and a good Marketing Plan conveys your company’s vision and mission to your target, markets, customers and employees.”
All participants was able to create a SWOT Analysis and discuss their Successes, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that goes into planning your business’ future.
The next PACC Breakfast Presentation will be held on Tuesday, April 11 discussing “Email Marketing – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”
To make a reservation for this event click here.
Mulroony to receive MCCEA Friends of Education Award
PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Council of Education Associations has named Dr. Denis Mulroony, Parsippany High School principal, as its 2017 administrator recipient of the MCCEA Friends of Education Award. The prize is bestowed annually on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to public education in Morris County. Winners are chosen from among community members, businesses, local leaders, parent organizations, administrators or others who have made significant, extraordinary contributions to public education.
In his letter of nomination, Dr. Mulroony was commended for “creating a supportive school community in which students, teachers, support staff and administrators alike have united to form an interactive team that has come to be the Parsippany High School family.” It went on to say, “Through his many service nights for students and the public, his pride in the school community and his tireless and motivating personal participation in nearly all aspects of school life, he has demonstrated time and again his impact on students, public employees, parents, and the community far above and beyond what his duties as principal entail.”
Dr. Mulroony, who is a graduate of Parsippany High School, began serving as principal in the fall of 2013 following a term as principal of Lake Parsippany elementary school. He was previously a vice principal of PHS, where he began his career in Parsippany as a teacher of English.
The MCCEA is a county wide organization comprised of the local education association chapters of the New Jersey Education Association, which includes the PTHEA. The award will be presented to Dr. Mulroony before educators from across the county at a formal dinner on March 29.
Woman’s Club of Parsippany–Troy Hills Annual Mardi Bras Collection
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills recently conducted its annual drive to collect new bras and children’s underwear to donate to women and their children living at Jersey Battered Women’s Service shelters.
JBWS provides a safe house and transitional living accommodations for victims of abuse, who are often forced to leave their homes with only the clothing they are wearing. The Woman’s Club collected 60 new bras and over 200 assorted pairs of new children’s underwear from club members and friends. This Mardi Bras Collection, conducted during the Mardi Gras season, is a project of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and the Distributing Dignity Organization. To donate or for more information click here.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. The next General Meeting is Monday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. For more information call Cathy at (973) 984-0758, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com or click here for their website.
Meeting schedule is subject to change. Please contact Cathy (Membership Chairman) if interested in attending a meeting or to confirm date and time.
Barberio Breaks Township Ordinances Elected to Enforce, Again!
PARSIPPANY — According to documents revealed through an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request Ramona (Jackie) Ortiz was hired effective December 5, 2016 as a Keyboarding Clerk I, at an annual salary of $54,000. The salary ordinance for white-collar workers, specifically Keyboarding Clerk 1, Ordinance 2016:22, passed on second reading on August 16, 2016 states the salary is a minimum of $17,000 with a maximum of $48,000. She was hired at $6,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Ms. Ortiz in clear violation of the law.
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., said “My concern is the Mayor is violating a town ordinance. In turn he’s breaking the law and it appears more than once. He’s hired people above the top salary allowed for those positions which clearly violates the town ordinance. We have hard working employees that have been working for the town for over 10 years in those positions and they are not even close to the top salary for their positions. Barberio seems to think it’s OK for him to bring in certain people and start them not only at the highest end of the salary range for those positions but he brings them in and starts them at a salary that exceeds the highest salary allowed therefore violating the town ordinance. What kind of message is he sending to the rest of our town employees and to the residents of our town. Again just another example of how Barberio thinks he is above the law.”
During a recent Council Meeting, Councilman Carifi questioned Business Administrator Ellen Sandman about the amount being paid and she said “Yes the Mayor is still paying certain employees more than the allowed amount for positions.” So to me, he (The Mayor) obviously doesn’t care.
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman said “As you know, we are going to be adopting the budget for 2017 hopefully by late April, at the very least early May, and you will then see the salary ordinance which will mark that which was approved through the budget by the Council in our new 2017 salary ordinance. It is then that we will have reviewed all the changes made after the August 16, 2016 ordinance. This new 2017 min/max ordinance will modify those changes that occurred after the 2016 salary ordinance and will also reflect adjustments made to individuals who exceed the current min/max. These changes may have occurred due to commitments made through classes, certifications, increased responsibilities. I’ve requested a Finance Committee meeting to review our practice of adopting a salary ordinance once a year and am contemplating perhaps a January salary ordinance to capture those changes that may have taken place after the previous ordinance but before the next budget adoption. It is important to note that the individual referred to was hired on December 5, 2016 and as of this date, has not exceeded the min/max ordinance. This will be addressed in the new 2017 min/max ordinance, as will all other titles that exceed the 2016 salary ordinance.”
“Although you are not asking about the Keyboarding Clerk I title specifically, I believe it is important to provide you with information as it relates to these outdated Civil Service titles. As I stated during the Council meeting, we have asked Civil Service to meet with us as well as the other nine Civil Service jurisdictions in Morris County to address this matter, said Ellen Sandman”
According to sources at Town Hall, Ms. Ortiz was hired to coordinate employee benefits. She was previously employed by Fairview Insurance. Fairview Insurance, a firm with close ties to the township donated approximately $50,000 to America’s Future First (AFF) and New Jersey’s Future First (NJFF) the political PACs that contributed indirectly to the reelection of Councilman Michael dePierro, and the election of Loretta Grangani. Vincent Ferrara was also a candidate but lost the election. Fairview Insurance is the Township’s Insurance Broker of Record.
In addition, the Director of Business Development for Fairview Insurance and liaison to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Ryan Graham, son of the founder of the firm, donated $12,000.00 to the Super PAC during this period.
This seems to be a normal event in Parsippany. This is not the first time Mayor James Barberio violated the white collar salary ordinance.
Earlier this year on January 9, 2017, Parsippany Focus reported Retired Police Sergeant Eugene Natoli was hired by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township on December 19, 2016 at an annual salary of $50,000. The “Request for Personnel Action” report indicates he works in the “Administration Department” as a “Keyboarding Clerk 1.” The position is a full time, permanent position. He was hired at $2,000 more than the maximum amount allowed by Township Ordinance. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired Mr. Natoli in clear violation of the law.
According to New Jersey Civil Service Commission, the definition of a Keyboarding Clerk I is “Under close supervision, performs routine, repetitive clerical work involving the processing of documents in a variety of functions; formats and key enters/types correspondence, documents, reports, charts and other materials on a computer console, typewriter, or other key entry device used by the agency; does other related duties as required. Keyboarding clerks typically spend a majority of their work time (more than 50%) typing or operating keyboard equipment. Speed and accuracy are essential for all keyboarding positions.
Business Administrator Ellen Sandman was hired in 2014, with $15,000 over the maximum salary guideline. When Mayor Barberio announced the hiring of Sandman, he revealed Sandman’s salary would be $140,000. Former Councilman Jonathan Nelson asked the Mayor in Public Session, “I don’t have the white collar salary ordinance in front of me but I believe this amount is over the salary cap,” The former CFO Joe Kovalcik stated that her pay was within the salary ordinance. Parsippany Focus filed an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request for the salary ordinance for white-collar workers at that time.
State Statute, 40:69A-40 states the duties of the Mayor shall enforce the charter and ordinances of the municipality and all general laws applicable thereto.
The salary ordinance indicated the white-collar workers, specifically Business Administrator, Ordinance 2013:16, passed on June 13, 2013 states the salary was a minimum of $75,000 with a maximum of $125,000. She was hired at $15,000 more than the Ordinance allowed. It is evident that Mayor Barberio hired the new Business Administrator in clear violation of the law. (Click here to read article)
Shortly after Parsippany Focus published the story, the Mayor introduced Ordinance 2014:15 to the Council requesting a change in the salary ordinance for two positions. The Chief Financial Officer’s pay maximum was increased to $150,000 and the Business Administrator’s maximum pay was increased to $150,000. This ordinance was read on first reading, and voted 5-0. The second reading and final passage of the ordinance was read and voted 4-1 on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. Council Vice President Robert Peluso voted against the salary change. That salary change was retroactive to January 1, 2014.
Parsippany Focus asked Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Michael dePierro, Council President Louis Valori, and Council Vice President Robert Peluso for comment, but didn’t respond to our requests.
Today is National Pancake Day
PARSIPPANY — Don’t show up to IHOP, 792 Route 46 today without a big appetite! March 7 marks National Pancake Day 2017, which means a free stack of pancakes for all. That is, if you follow the below guidelines.
Those visiting Parsippany IHOP today, Tuesday, March 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. can get a free short stack of their famous Original Buttermilk Pancakes. Talk about a tasty deal!
While free pancake are available to all, there are some exceptions. This offer is limited to one stack per guest and is for dine-customers only. In other words, you can’t order your free pancakes to go.
While there’s no purchase necessary to participate in this offer, IHOP does suggest guests make a donation to one of their charitable partners in return. Donations made on National Pancake Day at IHOP restaurants benefits Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which fights blood cancers.
Since its start in 2006, National Pancake Day donations have raised more than $24 million for charity. IHOP hopes to raise $3.5 million for children battling life-threatening illnesses in 2017.
If you’re looking for another way to help IHOP’s cause, IHOP customers can purchase a “Wall Icon” to pledge their support.
All of the money raised on IHOP National Pancake Day is donated directly to local children in need.
“Year after year, we look forward to celebrating with our guests and fans, and are amazed by their generosity,” Mo Abdelhadi, Owner, IHOP Parsippany.
“Every pancake served on IHOP National Pancake Day has a purpose, and every penny raised goes a long way in making a meaningful, and lasting, impact on so many kids and families in our communities,” said Abdelhadi.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany are volunteering for IHOP’s National Pancake Day. Restaurant guests enjoy a free short stack of pancakes in exchange for a suggested donation to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, a preferred charity of Kiwanis International.
Volunteers encourage guests to support the cause and fulfill Kiwanis’ mission to serve children.
Lake Hiawatha TD Bank is Robbed
PARSIPPANY – The Lake Hiawatha branch of TD Bank, 435 North Beverwcyk Road was robbed on Monday afternoon, at approximately 3:00 p.m. The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived on the scene at approximately 5:50 p.m. Possible red Honda was used as a get away vehicle.
Morris County Prosecutors Office Major Crime Unit is on the scene investigating.
Signs on the door indicate the bank is closed and will reopen as normal on Tuesday, March 7.
Police would not confirm additional details on the investigation, which is ongoing, at this time, directing questions to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
On Saturday, March 3, another TD Bank on Eisenhower Parkway, Roseland was also robbed. Reports of a robbery at a bank in Roseland has police on the scene investigating. Police responded to a robbery in progress report at the TD Bank that’s located in the 40’s block of Eisenhower Parkway shortly before 1:45 p.m. where arriving officers began a search for 5’7″ tall male who was wearing a gray hoodie and black jacket when he ran from the bank. The man fled the scene with several hundred dollars according to reports. There were no reports of a weapon shown.
On Thursday, February 23, Police responded to the TD Bank on McBride Avenue in Woodland Park. It was a robbery and a suspect was arrested, said Detective Lt. John Uzzalino. Around 9:45 a.m., a man entered the bank and approached the teller, handing her a note that said “he has a gun, turn over the money or he will shoot.” She gave the man about $500 in cash, Uzzalino said. Officers stopped a vehicle and found that the driver, Jose Cruz, 30, matched the description of the bank robbery suspect, Uzzalino said. Cruz faces charges of terroristic threats and robbery, Uzzalino said.
In January, TD Bank in Little Ferry was also robed. A white male roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt, blue jeans, work boots and a dark gray wool hat entered the bank at 225 Main Street around 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 15 police said. He had facial hair and appeared to be in his 20s.
On December 27, 2014 TD Bank in Denville was robbed, and the robber was captured.
On December 23, 2013 Santander Bank on Littleton Road was robbed and the robber was caught.
In August 2012, Provident Bank on Smith Road was robbed, and the robber is still at large.
Indus American Bank, was robbed July 20, 2012, and that robber was caught.
On September 5, 2012 the PNC Bank on Route 46 was robbed and the robber was caught a few hours later in Secaucus.
Parsippany Focus will update this article as soon as complete details are released.
Mount Tabor Residents Concerned Over Library Cuts
PARSIPPANY — The February 27 meeting of Parsippany Library Board of Directors was packed with a standing-room only crowd of concerned Mount Tabor residents.
The residents attended to voice their concerns over the cutting of the hours, cutting of programs and rumors of closing the branch. Mount Tabor library is walkable for the many children who live in Mt Tabor. In a gesture for the Standing Room Only turnout for the Library Board meeting President Dr. Joseph Weisberg moved the public comments section of the meeting to the start of the meeting.
Library Director Jayne Beline assured the crowd the Mount Tabor Library was not closing. She also stated, “The Township has been very supportive of the Library.”
Board President Dr. Joseph Weisberg opened the meeting by addressing the audience. “The Library Board appreciates all of the interest in the Mount Tabor Library branch. All of our decisions that the Library Board made with regard to the six-hour cut were very well thought out. We made these decisions so that the Library branch could remain open,” said Dr. Weisberg.
He continued, “To clarify, we had to make additional cuts in services, not just the reduction in hours cut at Mount Tabor. At the main library, because our Sunday grant was reduced by 50%, we are now open only 26 Sundays a year instead of 37. We have been asked to postpone the needed renovations at the Lake Hiawatha branch. This project was slated at $1.5 million, (based on an estimate from 2010) but after the plans were drawn up the scope of the project changed and now the project cost is estimated at $3 million.’
The Mount Tabor branch hours went into effect February 6 are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
The Mount Tabor branch is open 34 hours per week now. That is a reduction in the schedule by six hours. The Lake Hiawatha branch is open for 58 hours per week. The Parsippany Main Library is open for 64 hours per week plus four extra hours on 26 Sundays.
Year round, the Library is responsible for covering 156 public service hours.
It was stated at Mount Tabor Library, there are full-timers using four of their 35 hours a week to cover the branch. The branch head at Lake Hiawatha works at Mount Tabor one day a week to oversee operations, meet with staff and assist with coverage. There are four part-time staff workers at the branch.
Total salary to operate the branch is $62,373; Heat costs are $652; Electric are $1194; Telephone is $950 for an estimated total of $65,169 yearly. To restore six hours it is estimated to cost between $7,500 and $9,000.
Mayor James Barberio said the Camp Meeting Association of Mount Tabor (CMA) offer of $1 per year rental with the Township maintaining the building was under review by Parsippany Township Attorney John Inglesino and he would follow up on the status and the CMA to finalize the agreement. CMA Board members reiterated that the Bethel was always available at no cost for Library special programs and had never been proposed to be available for rent. The Bethel is actually a value added to the Library for popular Children’s programs to use more space for free.
The discussion from residents included using volunteers. All volunteers would need to pay for a background check at an estimated cost of $30 to $40. The volunteers would have to be placed on the Library’s liability insurance policy. It is estimated it would cost between $500 and $600 more. All volunteers are required to be trained in the Library’s policies and procedures. Each volunteer would need to be paired with a staff member. It would require a volunteer coordinator to manage the volunteers. If a volunteer is the second person there and does not show up, the branch may need to be closed. Mayor Barberio pointed out that there are many volunteers working for various Parsippany departments (firefighters, ambulance, etc) who are already covered under the township liability insurance so this should not be an objection, and he would check into the liability.
It was noted the Library has a budget of $2.8 Million, and the cost to operate Mount Tabor Library (with the cuts) is approximately $70,000.
Resident Jim Lau swiftly calculated this is just 3.5% of the total Library budget for one of three Library branches.
Area resident Glenda Hasse stated “Reinstitute the Youth Programs – that encourages use of the different aspects of the Library. Children are encouraged through school programs to get their library card and make good use of it. There are class trips to the library to encourage and familiarize students with the library. Children use the Library as a resource for homework. Adults and students use the computers for access to the Internet. Research. Job Hunting, when funds are limited to have a private internet service.”
One resident brought up the cuts in Children programming at Mount Tabor. He said, currently Mount Tabor has no children programs, while Lake Hiawatha branch has 32 and the main library has 44. Dr. Weisberg said “If the Board determines that storytime should be offered at Mount Tabor, they could assign librarians from the other two location to conduct storytimes.
It was also suggested by an area resident, “Be creative with the hours. open from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so everyone can use the library.”
The building has served as the community library since 1889, and then became a branch of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library.
The Main Library moved to its new headquarters in 2006. The library is conveniently located off route 202, at 449 Halsey Road. It is in walking distance of an elementary, middle and high school.
The Lake Hiawatha library was established in 1937, but has occupied the present site since 1968. In 1994 the interior was renovated and expanded so that the library Branch could better meet the needs of its neighborhood service area.
Nestled in the Mount Tabor section of Parsippany, the Mount Tabor branch building occupied its present site since 1889. It is the smallest branch but is located in a beautiful setting near Trinity Park.
For more information on Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, click here.
Women’s Theater Company Presents The Musical of Musicals (The Musical)
PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company, a professional theater company in Parsippany, presents Musical of Musicals (The Musical), written by Joann Bogart and Eric Rockwell.
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) is a hilarious satire of musical theatre. One story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. The basic plot: June is an ingenue who can’t pay the rent and is threatened by her evil landlord. Will the handsome leading man come to the rescue? The variations are: a Rodgers and Hammerstein version (set in Kansas in August, complete with a dream ballet), a Sondheim version (featuring the landlord as a tortured artistic genius who slashes the throats of his tenants in revenge for not appreciating his work), a Jerry Herman version; an Andrew Lloyd Webber version and a Kander & Ebb version 9set in a speakeasy in Chicago).
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical), starring Patricia Durante, Scott McGowan, Jenna Ravenda, Zach Mazouat. Producing Artistic Director Barbara Krajkowski, Director/Choreographer Lauren Moran Mills, Musical Director Deborah Martin.
The Musical of Musicals (The Musical) runs March 24 to April 2 Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors. To purchase tickets online Click here or call (973) 335 -3038.
The Women’s Theater Company is located at the Parsippany Playhouse at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For GPS driving directions, please enter the town of Boonton, 07005.
ABOUT WOMEN’S THEATER COMPANY:
The Women’s Theater Company’s mission is to provide a fertile environment for the advancement of professional women theater artists and to provide quality theater for the community at large. Through their main stage, educational outreach, and new works development programs, the Women’s Theater Company supports the development of new women artists, promotes new works in the American theater, and provides entertaining and enriching productions for growing audiences. Women’s Theater Company is located at The Parsippany Playhouse, 1130 Knoll Road, Parsippany. For more information contact (973) 335-3038, or email info@womenstheater.org.
The Women’s Theater Company is proud to be a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance. Funding for the Women’s Theater Company has been made possible in part by funds for the Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Art/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Women’s Theater is proud to be a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Temple Beth Am to celebrate Purim
PARSIPPANY — Temple Beth Am will celebrate Purim with a very special event featuring a carnival, reading of the Meggilah and a not to be missed Purim Shpiel featuring music adapted from Fiddler on the Roof, on Sunday, March 12.
The festivities, free and open to the public, begin at 9:45 am with the Purim Schpiel, “A Meggilah on the Roof”, followed by a reading of the Meggilah with spinning groggers and assorted noisemakers. At 11:00 a.m., the party continues with a carnival including food, fun, face-painting, games, prizes and the always popular Moon Bounce. Come and enjoy Temple Beth Am’s unique celebration of Purim.
For more information about the First Friday Speaker Series or Temple Beth Am please contact Debbie Lesser, Temple Administrator at (973) 887-0046.
Temple Beth Am is located at 879 South Beverwyck Road. You can visit their website by clicking here.
Celebrating our 51st year, Temple Beth Am is a Reform congregation with a diverse membership living throughout Morris County, including the towns of Parsippany, Boonton, Denville, Lake Hiawatha, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Randolph and Rockaway. We open our doors to adults and youth, singles and couples, Jews-by-birth and Jews-by-choice, and interfaith couples. Led by Rabbi Steven L. Mills and Rabbi/Cantor Inna Serebro-Litvak, Temple Beth Am is an inclusive, warm and welcoming place for personal and communal prayer, solace and comfort, joyous celebration, community service, education and sharing as a vibrant Jewish congregation.
Parsippany Hills Players will be performing a production of “Bye Bye Birdie”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Hills Players will be performing a production of “Bye Bye Birdie” on Thursday, March 16, Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18. The performance will be held at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive at 7:00 p.m.
Cast members include: Albert performed by Lucas Folan; Rosie performed by Mia Macarella; Conrad performed by Anthony Paterno; Mr. MacAfeeperformed by Alexei Sepe; Mrs. MacAfee performed by Jackie Pascale; Kim MacAfee performed by Nicolette Kelly; Randolph MacAfee performed by Shoumik Vaddi and Hugo performed by Ky Yurchuk.
Revisit a simpler time in 1950s America, where you’ll follow Albert and Rosie’s journey as they accompany a swooning, hip-thrusting Conrad Birdie to small town Sweet Apple, Ohio! There you’ll see a patriotic, healthy, normal, typical American family, the MacAfees, and sweethearts Hugo and Kim!
Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for senior citizens and non-district students, and free for Parsippany-Troy Hills School District students.
Book by Michael Stewart; Music by Charles Strouse; Lyrics by Lee Adams and Originally Produced by Edward Padula.
BYE BYE BIRDIE is presented by arrangements
TAMS-WHITMARK MUSIC LIRRARY, INC.
560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022
Microwave fire at Carlstadt home; no major damage
PARSIPPANY — On a chilly Sunday morning, March 5, at approximately 10:15 a.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department 6 and Lake Parsippany Fire District 3 were called to Carlstadt Road in Lake Parsippany.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police were first at the scene and reported there was no fire at the time of arrival.
Microwave ovens are in just about every home now, and in a lot of offices and other workplaces as well. They can make food preparation a lot easier but they can also be a fire hazard.
If you experience any abnormal activity with your microwave oven, you should unplug it and not use it until a repair person inspects it. Also, tell someone about your problem. Specifically, report it to the CPSC.
Consumers often wonder why a product has not been recalled. One reason is that the CPSC has to get a certain number of reports of a problem before it will take any action. There are other factors as well. CPSC works partly off of hospital records; unless a product defect has caused injuries, it may not be eligible for recall.
ConsumerAffairs warns consumers regarding microwave use and cleaning.
Recently Consumer Affairs received this alarming email from a reader named Anne.
“Our microwave, we believe it was a Samsung, started a fire in the middle of the night. Our house is totaled. No loss of life except our two cats. Can we do anything?”
A request to Anne for a follow-up interview about the accident went unanswered, so we decided to look into our database of consumer reviews to see if anyone else has had similar problems. They have.
“I bought this microwave and it starts sending out sparks and is an extreme fire hazard,” Emily, of Manteca, Calif., wrote about her Emerson microwave.
Needs cleaning?
Emily said she called the company and was told the fire was probably because the inside of the unit needed cleaning. Emily isn’t buying it, especially after finding other consumers who have reported similar experiences.
“I and most of the reviewers on this site have had experience with many microwaves over the course of our lives and have not had sparks flying out of our microwave,” she wrote.
“Saturday the KitchenAid over the stove microwave/convection caught FIRE before my eyes,” Stephen, of Leawood, Kan., told us. “Serviceman yesterday said the magnatron had burned holes within the machine and was not replaceable.”Earlier this year ConsumerReports published an in-depth study of reported problems with KitchenAid microwaves. Some of those problems have also been reported to ConsumerAffairs.
There have also been a few reports of similar problems with GE microwaves.
“I purchased the model (PEM31SM1SS) GE Profile in November of 2008,” writes Pamela, of Duxbury, Mass. “Less than a year later it overheated and failed; since it was still under warranty, the repair was managed by the appliance vendor. The scorch mark on the rear wall of the oven was and is still there. During the past year, the paint on the interior roof began to bubble and peel. There is now a broad area of exposed metal and the paint around the interior door frame is also peeling.”
Consumers should report safety problems to the manufacturer. Use a civil, businesslike tone. The company needs to know the scope of the problem it has on its hands.
Finally, don’t forget to post a report on ConsumerAffairs. Other consumers can learn and benefit from your experience.
Burglary to Vehicle at LA Fitness
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officers E. Elston and A. Van Orden responded to LA Fitness at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, February 28 on a reported theft and burglary.
Upon arrival he spoke to the victim who stated an unknown suspect gained access to his belongings in his locker and removed his vehicle keys.
The unknown suspect then gained entry into his vehicle removed cash from the victim’s wallet.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.
82 year-old Resident Arrested over Handicapped Parking Spot
PARSIPPANY — Multiple Officers responded to a parking lot on Rutgers Lane for a disturbance involving a handgun at 11:54 p.m. on February 28.
Upon arrival of responding Officers, spoke to the 23 year old male victim. The victim advised that the suspect, identified as Vittorio Dipinto, 82, Parsippany, was upset that his vehicle was partially parked in a handicap parking area.
The victim further advised that during their verbal argument, Mr. Dipinto pointed a handgun at him. After further investigation, Mr. Dipinto was placed under arrest and transported back to Police Headquarters. Patrol Officer P. Parisi processed and charged Mr. Dipinto with one count of Aggravated Assault in the Fourth Degree, one count of Terroristic Threats in the Third Degree, one count of Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes in the Second Degree and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
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.
Katie Cassidy to seek Township Council seat
PARSIPPANY — Lifelong resident Katie Cassidy has announced she will be seeking a seat on Township Council in the upcoming election. Katie is a registered democrat.
Council President Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso current term ends December 31. Valori, Republican, is seeking re-election and is running on the ticket with Mayor James Barberio and former Councilman Vincent Ferrara. Peluso, also Republican, is challenging to unseat Mayor Barberio.
Township of Hanover Police Officer Chris Martino and Former Parsippany Planning Board Chairman Casey Parikh, are seeking a seat on the Council.
It is expected that former Councilman Brian Stanton will be entering the race.
Monday, April 3 is the filing deadline to submit a petition to run in Primary Election.
In early February, Democrat Michael Soriano announced he will be seeking the office of the Mayor.
It is expected that Democrats Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson will announce shortly and will be running with Michael Soriano.
Cassidy is a lifelong resident of Parsippany-Troy Hills. She is a member of the Environmental Advisory Committee and Municipal Alliance Committee. Her goal is to rejuvenate the community spirit in town. In her mind, the key components of success are responsible spending, transparency while planning for the future as well as togetherness in the community.
Katie has dedicated a great deal of time to attending township meetings. Along with the Environmental and Municipal Alliance Committee meetings, she has also attended countless Council, Planning and Zoning Board meetings. In just the last year, Katie’s notable successes include initiating the passage of a support resolution and applying pressure to increase the transparency of the Township.
The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 6. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
You are eligible to vote if you are a citizen of the United States, are a Morris County resident 30 days before the election. You can register is you are at least 17 years of age, but cannot vote until the age of 18. You can not be incarcerated, on parole or on probation due to a felony conviction.
If you don’t know if you are a registered voter, you can click here to find out.
If you are not a registered voter, you can fill out the application form (click here), and mail a completed form to Morris County Board of Elections, Post Office Box 9000, Morristown, New Jersey 07960. You must register 21 days prior to the election which you wish to vote. Your registration will remain valid, as long as you do not move out of Morris County.
Once you are registered you will receive a ballot in the mail. If you need to find out where you go to vote, click here.
Parsippany Focus has reached out to all candidates that have filed their registrations, asking when and where they are announcing. Parsippany Focus will give equal coverage to all candidate running for office. Candidates can contact us by sending an email by clicking here.
Parsippany Hills McDonald signs letter of intent
PARSIPPANY — Dylan Joseph McDonald signed a letter of intent today and committed to Ave Maria University. Dylan’s will be majoring in Exercise Science.
Dylan will be graduating Parsippany Hills High School in June where he was a three-year starter. McDonald was part of the team which made the 2016 NJSIAA North 2 Group III final, and beat Cranford for the North 2 Group III championship in 2014, the first and only sectional title in school history.
Coach Dave Albano said “Dylan was a three-year starter us. He has the size and speed to do great things in college.”
“Ave Maria is lucky to get Dylan! He is not only a great player with a motor that never quits, he is more importantly a great young man! Dylan epitomized what we looked for in a player for Team USA. His parents have done a great job raising him and Dylan will go on to represent his family and community well” said Matt Hennesy, Head Football Coach North American Championships.
“I am very proud of Dylan’s accomplishments, he has worked very hard and will be very successful in life and on the football field at Ava Maria, said Gail McDonald.
This past January Dylan played against Canada in the first USA Football North American Championship in Orlando, Fla.
The event featured under-18 national teams from each country and was played at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
This was the sixth time McDonald has suited up for the United States. As an eighth grader, he attended a combine in south Jersey and performed well enough that he was invited to a camp for football players his age in College Station, Texas. He also spent a month in Harbin, China, last summer.
McDonald was one of 44 players selected to make the journey to China, and represented the United States in a seven-nation tournament, the Under 19 International Federation of American Football World Championship.
For McDonald it was a honor to sport the red, white and blue uniform, with “USA” across his chest.
Ave Maria University is a vibrant University located in beautiful Southwest Florida. It is an academic institution that pledges faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church and is committed to offering one of the finest classical liberal arts curricula available, as well as opportunities for specialized study in all of the sciences and humanities.
Ave Maria is known for its exceptional academics, faithfulness to the magisterium of the Catholic Church, dedicated faculty and caring staff, and a unique educational philosophy that strives to develop the whole person.
The university’s superb faculty, challenging curriculum, professional staff, and a student community where it is easy to form lasting friendships, provide graduates with a training that empowers them to step out into the working world as future leaders and wealth-creators, with a solid understanding of contemporary challenges, and a strong confidence in their own intellectual training and foundation.
For more information about Ave Maria University click here.
Standing room only at Sons of Italy fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling
PARSIPPANY — Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 sponsored a fundraiser for Par-Troy Wrestling Club. The fundraiser was held at Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 5, 180 Old Bloomfield Road on Saturday, February 25.
Included with the pasta dinner, cooked by the Sons of Italy members, are homemade meatballs, bread, salad and dessert.
The Sons of Italy and Par-Troy Wrestling Team would like to thank the following for contributing to the door prizes and raffles: Vincent Ferrara, Italian American Police Society of NJ, Sons of Italy Lodge #2561, Longhorn Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, Eccola Italian Bistro, Verde Ristorante, IHOP, Tabor Pizzeria, Gourmet Café, Churrasco Grill, Houlihan’s, TGIF, Modell’s, Home Depot, Smashburger, Pinnacle Athletic Development, Coach John-Drumline Live tickets and Towne Tavern. A special thanks to Parsippany Volunteer District 5 for donating the facilities for the event.
Board Member, June Madia, Par-Troy Wrestling Team presented Joe Jannarone, Jr., President of the Sons of Italy 2561 with a plaque thanking the Sons of Italy for all their hard work in preparing the food for the fundraiser.
Par-Troy Wrestling board members are June Madia, Linda Gohn, Ralph Rocco, Kim Doktor,
Cris Parente, Pat Rocco, Gabe Nazziola and Dan Ilic.
Parsippany is such a large town that its children’s wrestling programs are traditionally split into two teams – the Parsippany Redhawks and the Parsippany Hills Vikings. Both had long-established histories, successes, and victories. As strong as both teams functioned separately, coaches, wrestlers, and parents knew that if they joined forces to create one team Parsippany Wrestling would become a major squad.
This became a reality in the spring of 2010. The Par-Troy Wrestling Club was formed with the motto, “One Town. One Team.”
PTWC registers children from grades kindergarten through eighth grade and participates in a number of competitive wrestling leagues. Their function with a full Executive Board and Executive Committee Members. Their major annual fundraiser is a two-day Holiday Tournament with teams gathering from all over. Over the years PTWC boasts successes of all the kids, including:
- New Jersey Kids State Qualifying Wrestlers, Place Winners and Champions
- Participation and Great Success in Numerous Leagues: Grade School, Passaic County, Tri-County, Future Stars, Northwest NJ K-6, North Jersey, Northern NJ Gold and Silver Teams, and King of the Mat
- Place Winners and Champions at Competitive Tournaments
- Bronze Certified Coaches
- Alumni Wrestlers who move on and are highly successful at Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, and local private programs
The full roster looks forward to more success under the club’s long list of qualified coaches. The 2016-2017 season will include participation of teams in five competitive leagues and local tournaments.
For more information on Par-Troy Wrestling, click here.
Employee steals merchandise at United Parcel Service
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Sergeant E. Conklin, along with Patrol Officers C. Dottino and C. Konysz responded to UPS for a theft. Upon arrival they spoke to the security guards who advised them they caught employee Kevin Klien, 29, East Orange, stealing approximately $4,000.00 in merchandise.
After a brief investigation Mr. Klien was placed under arrest and transported back to Police Headquarters. He was processed and charged with one count of Theft of Movable Property in the Third Degree.
Mr. Klien 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 for Assault by Auto; Driving While Intoxicated
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief of Police Paul Philipps, along with multiple Officers, and Par-Troy Emergency Medical Services responded to a three car motor vehicle crash with injuries on South Beverwyck Road near Troy Meadow Road at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 2.
Initial investigation by Patrol Officer G. Lowe, it was determined that a 2005 Acura MDX was stopped behind a 2016 Chevy Traverse who was waiting to turn from South Beverwyck Road onto Troy Meadow Road.
The Acura was then struck by a 2016 GMC Sierra who failed to stop. The impact of the crash caused the Acura to crash into the Chevy.
The 22 year old female backseat passenger in the Acura was transported to Morristown Medical Center with neck/back pain. All other occupants in the vehicles reported that they were uninjured.
The driver of the 2011 GMC Sierra, Robert Palmer, 33, Georgetown, Texas, was placed under arrest and subsequently processed.
He was charged with the following offenses:
• 1 count of Assault by Auto in the 4th Degree
• Driving While Intoxicated in a School Zone
• Reckless Driving
Mr. Palmer 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.
Creating a Successful Marketing Plan for your Business
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce a morning breakfast seminar “Creating a Successful Marketing Plan for your Business” on Friday, March 10.
This PACC Breakfast Presentation is given by Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of Marketshare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network. Bring plenty of business cards because there will be an opportunity to network.
A Marketing Plan offers a simple strategy or set of strategies, a marketing calendar, an evaluation system and a series of tactics that give you complete control of your marketing activities.
You will learn:
- How to put your Marketing Plan together
- Budgeting your plan
- The initiatives you must take to make it happen
A good marketing plan conveys your company’s vision and mission to your target, markets, customers and employees.
You will also participate in your own SWOT Analysis and discuss your Successes, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that goes into planning your business’ future.
Don’t miss this informative and exciting program for small business owners and entrepreneurs on Friday, March 10 at 8:00 a.m. held at IHOP, 792 Route 46. You can reserve your ticket by clicking here.