Prosecutor Knapp Announces Investigative Staff Promotions

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief of Investigations John Speirs announce four promotions effective on Monday, February 26 to fill vacant Investigative Staff Positions in the Prosecutor’s Office. These vacancies were created by the retirements of Sergeant Christopher Then and Sergeant Matthew Potter.

The following personnel will be promoted and assigned as indicated below:

Chief of Investigations John Spiers (L) with Sergeant Dan Haber

Detective/Supervisor Daniel Haber to Sergeant who will supervise the Fugitive Unit. Sergeant Haber has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2003, and received an “Annual Distinguished Achievement Award” in 2008 for excellence of service in the Field of Criminal Investigation.

Chief of Investigations John Spiers (L) with Sergeant Mark Castellano

Detective/Supervisor Mark Castellano to Sergeant who will assume the responsibilities of Training Coordinator/Supervising Firearms Instructor. Sergeant Castellano has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002 and has been assigned to a variety of investigative unit. He has also instructed at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy for the last twelve years.

Detective/Supervisor Thomas Joiner with Prosecutor Fredric Knapp

Detective Thomas Joiner to Detective/Supervisor who will assist in the supervision of the Intelligence/Homeland Security Unit. Detective/Supervisor Joiner has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2009 and has been the President of the Morris County Detectives’ Association since 2016, as well as the Quartermaster of the Morris County Rapid Deployment Team since 2015.

Chief of Investigations John Speirs with Detective/Supervisor Carolina Moreno

Detective Carolina Moreno to Detective/Supervisor who will assist in the supervision of the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit. Detective/Supervisor Moreno has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office for eight years and has instructed Sex Crimes Investigations at the Morris and Monmouth County Police Academies, as well as lecturing on this topic to an international delegation from Costa Rica in 2015.

Prosecutor Knapp stated, “Through their everyday performance, each of these individuals has demonstrated the qualities necessary to serve at the next level in the organization.  I am confident that they will ensure that the office continues to be efficient and effective.”

Freeholders to introduce 2018 County Budget on Wednesday

MORRISTOWN — The Morris County Board of Freeholders will introduce their 2018 county budget at the board’s meeting on Wednesday, February 28 starting at 7:00 p.m., in the Public Meeting Room on the fifth floor in the Morris County Administration and Records Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown

Freeholder Christine Myers

Freeholders Christine Myers, Kathy DeFillippo, and Deborah Smith, who comprise the board’s budget committee, will be joined by the county’s professional staff at the session, to unveil and outline the proposed fiscal package.

“We have worked hard to ensure that we offer a fiscally responsible 2018 budget, one that adequately finances key programs and services, deals with our responsibility to help our less-fortunate residents, but also looks to set the county us on a long-term path to fiscal stability through strategic planning,” said Deputy Freeholder Director Myers, who chairs the committee.

Key budget documents and financial information, including the 2015, 2016 and 2017 operating and capital budgets, can be found by clicking here.

The board will hold its work session at 4:30 p.m. in the Knox Room on the fifth floor in the Administration Building. Residents should be aware they must go through a first floor security screening process to enter the building.

Pennacchio Amendment to Eliminate $10k Cap on State Property Tax Deduction Blocked

MORRIS COUNTY — A tax relief amendment offered by Senator Joe Pennacchio as a sensible alternative to Governor Phil Murphy’s scheme to mask property taxes as charitable contributions was blocked by the Senate today.

Senator Joseph Pennacchio

“Nobody in New Jersey is happy with the federal limitation of the SALT deduction to $10,000,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Governor Murphy’s response, however, is a gimmick that is almost certain to be shot down by the IRS. There are more sensible approaches to tax relief that we can and must advance.”

The Governor’s proposal, S-1893, would allow homeowners to contribute to municipal charitable funds as an alternative to making property tax payments.

It’s an attempt to skirt the new $10,000 limit on the federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes (SALT).

A number of tax policy experts have warned that the federal deductibility of “donations” made under this scheme are almost certain to be disallowed by the IRS.

Pennacchio attempted to amend S-1893 during Senate debate on the legislation to replace it with a substitute bill incorporating the language of legislation he sponsors, S-413, to permit homeowners to deduct the full amount of their property taxes from their state income tax obligation.

“If we’re claiming the federal limit is bad policy, we should also acknowledge that New Jersey’s identical $10,000 limit on the property tax deduction that we allow state income taxpayers to claim is similarly bad,” said Pennacchio. “Our State cap is something that’s within our power to fix, and we should act to do so. To continue criticizing the federal SALT limitation while doing nothing to address our own limitation would be completely hypocritical.”

The Senate immediately tabled Pennacchio’s effort to amend the legislation.

“It sends the wrong message to our residents for legislators to push a scheme like this to evade federal taxes, especially when we don’t allow charitable contributions be deducted by state income taxpayers,” added Pennacchio. “Our taxpayers deserve real solutions that will cut their tax bills, but all they’ve been offered is a shell game that they are sure to lose.”

Morris County Democrats to Hold Convention on Tuesday

PARSIPPANY — Morris County Democrats will hold their convention on Tuesday, February 27  at 33 Baldwin Road starting at 6:30 p.m.

There will be delegates present who will vote on which candidate to support in the June primary. Morris County Democrats are all invited to attend and are entitled to a vote at the convention. Please make sure that you are available to attend.

There are opportunities to volunteer for help with signs, signing up volunteers, and collecting petition signatures.

You can contact Ore Obiwumi at o.obiwumi@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. or  click here.

Letter to the editor: Frelinghuysen voted to support usurious credit card rates

parsippany focusDear Editor:

On January 29, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen announced his decision to retire.  Presumably he is now free to vote his conscience rather than blindly go along with his party’s agenda against the interests of the working class in America. 

On February 14, he voted to support a bill that allows usurious credit card rates to apply when loans are sold from one institution to another. The bill, with the Orwellian title, Protecting Consumers’ Access to Credit Act of 2017, states, “A loan that is valid when made as to its maximum rate of interest in accordance with this subsection shall remain valid with respect to such rate…regardless of state law.”  The bill was prompted by a 2015 federal court ruling, Madden v. Midland, where a judge ruled against a New York debt collector charging an interest rate of 27 percent on credit card debt purchased from a bank. The legal limit in New York is 25 percent. 

The Center for Responsible Lending says “The sole purpose of this bill is to enable non-bank lenders to use bank partnerships to override state interest rate limits. The bill poses a serious risk of enabling predatory lending and unsafe lending practices. Unaffordable loans have devastating consequences for borrowers—trapping them in a cycle of unaffordable payments and leading to harms such as greater delinquency on other bills.”

It’s sad that Frelinghuysen still cannot stand with working families of the district as he retires as their representative.

Tom Wyka
Parsippany

Driver arrested for under the influence of CDS

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department was contacted by the driver of a tow truck who had recently towed a vehicle from Eisenhower Parkway near Route 280 and gave the driver, John Colangelo Jr, 47, Morris Plains, a ride, on Thursday, February 22 at 6:22 p.m.

The tow truck operator stated that Mr. Colangelo began to act strange and was nodding off.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Scott Baker spoke to Mr. Colangelo and requested an ambulance to assess him due to his inability to recall details of the crash. Mr. Colangelo spoke to members of Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad and refused further medical attention.

After a brief investigation Mr. Colangelo was placed under arrest for being under the influence of CDS. He was also found to be in possession of a short straw with suspected heroin residue and two bundles (containing 18 individual glassine folds) of suspected heroin. He was transported to police headquarters for processing at which time he was charged with one count in the Third Degree of Possession of CDS (Heroin)
one count of Being Under the Influence of CDS, a Disorderly Persons Offense
one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (straw), a Disorderly Persons Offense.

He was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance.

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.

Male arrested for refusing to leave Subway

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to Subway, 1113 Route 46, on Sunday, February 18 at 4:56 p.m., for a male refusing the leave the premises.

Upon the arrival of Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Gregory Bloete, he was advised by the complainant and caller that they wanted the male, identified as Gregory Abeel, 32, Randolph, to leave the store.

Officer Bloete advised Mr. Abeel of this, but he refused to leave. Mr. Abeel then made several attempts to walk past the officer and use the bathroom after being told he must leave numerous times.

Officer Bloete escorted him out of the building and placed him under arrest. He was transported to police headquarters for processing and was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Defiant Trespassing.

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.

Sheriff Warns Residents of Rising Car Thefts & Burglaries

MORRIS COUNTY — Over the past year, Morris County has seen a rise in the number of car burglaries and stolen vehicles. Morris County Sheriff James Gannon is asking for the public’s help in reducing the statistics in 2018.

Car burglars often go to residential neighborhoods and walk up and down the street checking car door handles to see if they are open. Once an unlocked vehicle is located, they enter the vehicle to look for valuable items to steal.

“Some find key fobs inside which allow them to start the vehicle and drive away with it.  In addition, car thieves are using a phone app to locate vehicles with key fobs inside, making the theft of your car a quick and easy process,” said Sheriff Gannon.

In 2017, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section responded to local towns in Morris County to process one hundred sixty-eight (168) motor vehicle burglaries for evidence and latent prints. Only forty-one, or 24%, of those vehicles were reported to have been locked.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section also responded to and processed eighty-nine (89) motor vehicles that were stolen from within the county in 2017. Of those vehicles, only 15, or 17% were reported to have been locked or secured in a structure before being stolen. The remaining seventy-four (74) vehicles were parked and left unlocked with keys or key fobs inside.

Sheriff Gannon said, “Car burglaries and stolen vehicles can lead to additional crimes, such as home burglaries and identity theft if keys, garage door openers, purses and wallets are left in vehicles. Help protect yourself and your family and let’s work together to make Morris County a safer place.”

By following these tips you can take an active role in preventing crime in Morris County:

  1. Lock your vehicle and remove the key fob.
  2. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
  3. Protect your identify and accounts by removing purses, wallets or checkbooks from your vehicle.
  4. Contact your local Police Department to report any suspicious individuals or vehicles in your neighborhood.

Report tips and remain anonymous by contacting The Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at:  973-COP-CALL or www.copcall.org from your mobile device. No one will ask your name.

Kimberly Lindner has been named to Dean’s List

PARSIPPANY — Kimberly Lindner, a 2014 graduate of Parsippany High School, is studying Painting and Drawing.

Lindner has been named to Purchase College’s Dean’s List for the fall 2017 semester

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must carry a semester GPA of 3.5 for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs and 3.75 for Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music Performance programs. They must take a minimum of 12 credits.

Purchase College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges, was founded in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller. His aspiration for Purchase was to create a dynamic campus that combined conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with programs in the liberal arts and sciences, in order to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students. Today, Purchase College-SUNY is a community of students, faculty, and friends where open-minded engagement with the creative process leads to a lifetime of intellectual growth and professional opportunity. For more information about the College click here.

Multiple Vehicles Burglarized

PARSIPPANY — During the night of Tuesday, February 20 into the morning of Wednesday, February 21, multiple vehicles were burglarized.

Below is a list of the locations and other pertinent details.

A common thread among these burglarized vehicles is most, if not all, were unlocked.

The simple act of locking your vehicle doors and not having expensive items viewable from the outside will prevent most vehicle burglaries from ever happening.

Strowbridge Avenue
2009 Mercedes Benz 320- Owner did not believe anything was stolen.
Woodland Road
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee- Owner reported that cash and coins were stolen.
2010 Subaru Forester- Owner did not believe anything was stolen.
2017 Toyota Rav4- Owner did not believe anything was stolen.
Troy Road
2014 Dodge Durango- Owner reported that cash, credit cards, and iPhone, and personal documents were stolen.
2350 Route 10
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee- Owner reported cash, personal documents and power tools were stolen.
Erica Way
2013 Mercedes Benz C300- Owner reported that his wallet, cash, personal documents were stolen.

Verbal Argument at Exxon turns in drug arrest at 7-11

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Parsippany Exxon gas station, 3019 Route 46 East, for a verbal argument at 7:23 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20.

Upon arrival of responding officers, the victim advised them that he was being verbally harassed by at least one occupant of a parked 2014 Toyota Corolla while he was outside of the building getting water.

The occupant continued to verbally harass him and taunt him. The victim took a picture of the vehicle’s plate so he could document the incident. As he did so, two male occupants exited the vehicle and one of them confronted the victim.

That person was later identified as Stephen Laverty, 20, Morris Plains. Mr. Laverty began to use racial comments towards the victim and attempted to take his phone and punch him. The victim was able to avoid the punch and call 911. The victim further stated that the occupants got back into the Toyota Corolla and left the area.

As officers were searching for the vehicle, the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a phone call at 10:28 p.m. regarding a suspicious vehicle and possible drug activity. The dispatcher quickly realized it was the same vehicle from the earlier incident at the Exxon Gas Station and dispatched officers to 7-11 Convenience Store, 31 North Beverwyck Road.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the Toyota as it attempted to leave the parking lot. After a brief investigation, passengers Stephen Laverty and Antony Wyzga, 23, Lake Hiawatha, were found to be in possession of CDS. It was also confirmed that Mr. Laverty was the male who attempted to strike the victim earlier at the Exxon Gas Station. They were both transported back to police headquarters for processing. Parsippany Police Department Detectives also assisted in the investigation.

Stephen Laverty was charged with one count of Bias Intimidation in the Fourth Degree, one count of Possession of CDS in the Third Degree (Vyvanse Pills), one count of Possession of CDS on the Third Degree (Xanex Pill), one count of Under the Influence of CDS a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Failure to turn over CDS to Police a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Harassment-Striking/Offensive Touching a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense and one count of Harassment-Communication in a Manner to Cause Alarm a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense.

Antony Wyzga was charged with one count of Possession or Use of CDS in the Third Degree (Vyvanse Pills), one count of Possession of less than fifty grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription, a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Failure to turn over CDS to Police, a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Both males were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending their first court appearance.

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.

Car Robbery on Larkspur Drive

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the area of Pond Road and Larkspur Drive on Tuesday, February 20 at 10:46 p.m. for a 2013 Infiniti JX parked in the roadway.

After a brief investigation it was determined that the Infiniti was stolen from a residence on Larkspur Drive. Parsippany Focus was able to obtain a home video from the area.

The owner advised that the vehicle was unlocked with the key fob in it.

They also found that as the suspect attempted to drive away, the vehicle struck a utility box, street light pole, and a garbage can.

The vehicle began dragging part of the street light pole and the trash can at which time the suspect got out of the vehicle and got into an accomplice vehicle and fled the area.

While on scene, they also found a 2007 Toyota Camry was also burglarized while parked on Larkspur Drive.

Parsippany Detectives and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office CIS unit also responded to assist in the investigation.

Register for the Sixth-Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy Program

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County is extremely proud to announce that the sixth-annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy program will be held this July for students entering grades 9-12 in the fall.

The enrollment process is beginning early this year, starting on March 1, due to the highly competitive nature of this extremely popular summer program. With limited space and an expected wait list of attendees, Youth Academy Coordinators are seeking the best of our Morris County youth for the 2018 program.

The MCPSYA is limited to students entering Grades 9 – 12 in the fall of this year.

The Youth Academy is run and coordinated by the Morris County Office of Emergency Management in partnership with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and Morris County Park Police. It is funded by the Morris County Board of Freeholders.

The 2018 program will be held the week of July 23 to July 27 at the Morris County Public Safety Complex located in Parsippany. The Academy, which is uniquely designed to provide high-school students with exposure to the various facets within the field of public safety, is free of charge to cadets and their families.

“At a time in their lives when young men and women from Morris County are making crucial decisions regarding their on-going education and potential career paths, and may be considering the field of public service, we want them to experience what it means to be a first responder and be a part of the phenomenal group of public safety professionals in Morris County,” said Morris County Freeholder Director Doug Cabana.

“This is an opportunity for our great team of county public service professionals to interact with Morris County youths who are considering the possibility of a future as part of Morris County’s public safety team,” said Morris County Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo.

This uniquely designed Youth Academy program provides cadets with intensive, specially designed training and hands-on experience in the fields of Police, Fire, EMS, and Emergency Management. Class size is limited, and this 2018 class is expected to fill to capacity. Applications for enrollment will open on March 1 and close on April 8.

The Youth Academy curriculum is structured to expose cadets to a variety of interactive, educational, and hands-on activities throughout the week. The success of the program is attributed to the full participation of our Youth Academy instructors and cadets.

Physical training is a key part of the daily routine and is designed to follow a similar model to the training experienced by our Morris County police recruits — with appropriate adjustments made for this program. Regardless, it is a challenging and rewarding part of the overall experience.Sixth-Annual Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy -- Apply Starting March 1

Applicants as well as their parents and guardians should carefully review the application with a full understanding of what is required and expected for those who participate. Once a cadet is accepted and agrees to participate in the program, he or she takes the place of another hopeful applicant.

For more information on the Morris County Public Safety Youth Academy program, or to download the application for enrollment, click here.

Captain Andrew Miller to be Appointed Parsippany-Troy Hills Chief of Police

PARSIPPANY – Mayor Michael Soriano is proud to announce that Captain Andrew Miller will be promoted to Chief of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, effective March 1.

“Over the past two months, it has been a true honor to get to know the men and women of Parsippany’s police force, including our senior leadership,” Soriano said.  “After an extensive decision-making process and careful consideration of every eligible candidate, as well as the recent tragedy in Florida, I came to the conclusion that Captain Miller is my choice to the lead the department, particularly during these troubled times.”

“This was not an easy decision,” Soriano continued.  “Deputy Chief Richard Pantina and Captain Jay Weiners embody the spirit of public service that we need in this township and this country.  I am proud to have both of them in senior leadership positions in our department.

Captain Miller has served with the Parsippany Police Department for twenty-six years, most recently serving as commander of the Investigative Division.  In addition to eight years of honorable service in the New Jersey Army National Guard, he holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Farleigh Dickinson University.  He is also the recipient of eleven awards and commendations from the Parsippany Police Department, including the Exceptional Duty Medal and Life Saving Award.

“Having proudly served the Parsippany Police Department for twenty-six years, it is with great excitement that I accept the honor of serving as Chief of Police,” Miller commented.  “This incredible opportunity is owed to the Parsippany Police Officers who I’ve worked for and with over the years, whose leadership, influence and shared job experiences provide the knowledge and ability necessary for me to assume this trust.  To Mayor Michael Soriano, your confidence and trust in me is greatly appreciated.”

Miller continued, “We all congratulate Chief Paul Philipps on his well-deserved retirement after thirty-eight years of highly dedicated service to the law enforcement community.

Chief Paul Philipps will retire on March 1, after thirty-eight years of service to the Parsippany Police Department.

“Although we did not have the opportunity to work together for very long, I have a deep respect for Chief Philipps’ dedication to this township,” Soriano said.  “I know that Andrew Miller will continue the commitment to excellence that has been demonstrated by the Parsippany Police Department since its founding, and I look forward to our residents seeing the innovative and purposeful ideas he will bring to our community.”

Ann Grossi Endorses Webber for Congress

MORRIS COUNTY — In his campaign for Congress, Jay Webber continues to consolidate his Morris County base of support and has earned the endorsement of Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi.

Assemblyman Jay Webber

“Jay Webber will be an excellent Congressman representing the interests and priorities of the people of this congressional district, and I fully endorse and support Jay and his campaign,” Grossi stated. “Morris County residents deserve the strong leadership that Jay brings to this campaign and his future service in Congress. I urge all of my supporters and neighbors to join with me in backing Jay Webber, as we all know that control of Congress and the future of our nation ride on the outcome of this election.”

“Ann Grossi has set herself apart among public servants, and has earned the respect and appreciation of Morris County citizens. The recent kickoff to her own re-election campaign saw officials and residents from every corner of Morris County and beyond come together in support of Ann, and now I am grateful to have her support of me and our campaign for Congress. We look forward to campaigning together, along with all of our other leaders and volunteers, to win this congressional race for our country and to win another term of service for Ann Grossi as our County Clerk,” stated Webber.

Ann Grossi grew up in Parsippany-Troy Hills and still lives in her childhood home with her husband and daughter. A dedicated public servant to her community and the residents of Morris County, Grossi was a member of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council from 2006 to 2010. In 2011, she was elected to a three-year term on the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders. In 2013, Grossi was elected to serve as the 29th Morris County Clerk, where she manages six diverse departments.

Parsippany PBA to hold annual Beefsteak Dinner

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany PBA 131 will be holding their annual Beefsteak Dinner on Friday, April 6 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The event will be held at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road.

Food will be provided by Giresi’s Catering. Entertainment will be Mike Lawlor Band. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 raffle.

Tickets are now available for $50.00 each (Sorry, no children.)

Please call Joe Kornas at (973) 713-8059 or email jkornas@parpolice.com or email Scott Baker sbaker@parpolice.com for additional information.

Eighteen Year Old Charged with Sexual Assault Of A Minor

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Darren P. Dachisen, Sr. of the Borough of Madison Police Department announce the arrest of Juan Chavez Osorio, 18, of Madison, on numerous charges of Sexual Assault, Criminal Sexual Contact and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, related to allegations involving an underage female.

It is alleged that the defendant engaged in numerous sexual acts with the victim who was 13 years old during the conduct in question.  The defendant met the victim through a family member.

The defendant was charged on February 21, 2018 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 Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit and the Madison Police Department whose efforts contributed to the investigation of this case.

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.

Adults Who Interact With Teens Offered Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

PARSIPPANY — With teenage suicide rates on an upswing, a barrage of tragedies in the news, and the heightened pressures of adolescence in a media-frenzied world, it’s more important than ever for caring adults to know how to intervene effectively.

Morris County again this year is funding Youth Mental Health First Aid training through NewBridge Services for adults who regularly interact with children ages 12 to 18.The eight-hour, evidence-based training teaches parents, caregivers, educators, youth leaders and others the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and addiction in adolescents, and more importantly, how to reach out to them.

“With so many communities going stigma-free, this is a great way to start to educate residents about mental health issues and ways to reach out to young people who need assistance,” NewBridge Services Director of Community Response and Education Mary Vineis said. 

“This is vital training that can make a difference in the lives of our young people,” Morris County Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo said. “The freeholder board is proud to work with NewBridge Services to bring this important training to our community here in Morris County.” DeFillippo serves as the freeholder board’s liaison on human services issues.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid training is particularly valuable for educators, school support staff, coaches, and religious leaders who work with teens, as well as parents, Vineis said.

Last year, NewBridge trained more than 120 people in Youth Mental Health First Aid and more than 60 in Mental Health First Aid for adults. NewBridge also offers training specifically for public safety professionals and educators in higher education.

Butler resident Chris Ziegler went through the training after his daughter’s 15-year-old friend and classmate died tragically last May. “I wanted to know more of what we could do as a community,” said Ziegler, who gave NewBridge’s Youth Mental Health First Aid training rave reviews. “You learn ways to let young people know you recognize something is going on, and that you’re willing to help.”

Mental illness affects an estimated one in five adolescents, yet less than half of preteens and teens with disorders get treatment, Vineis said. Recognizing the difference between normal growing-up behaviors and mental disorders is crucial. Half of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan. Anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders are among the topics covered.

The grant from Morris County will allow NewBridge to provide six community sessions free of charge to participants. The cost is normally $170.00 per participant. Community leaders and residents interested in taking the training can contact Vineis at mvineis@newbridge.org or (973) 686-2228.

NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a premier 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; 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 more than 50-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.

Speed Networking Returns to Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) will host a Speed Networking event on Wednesday, March 28, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Care One at Morris, 100 Mazdabrook Road. (Note: This event was rescheduled from March 21).

Join chamber members for food, fun and networking. Bring plenty of business cards.

The event is free for chamber members and is an opportunity to make the most of one’s membership. Non-members can also attend for $10.00.

PACC’s Speed Networking is an intensive session of two-minute mini-meetings. Looking for a web designer? Perhaps a new banker? On the lookout for a mentor? Searching for a potential business partner? The possibilities and outcomes are endless.

Imagine making more contacts in one hour than some people do in a career. Welcome to PACC’s Speed Networking, an intensive session of two-minute meetings.  This corporate take on speed dating is the perfect place to start filing your book of contacts, with people scanning a range of different sectors and industries. It’s all about maximum impact, because after your two minutes is up, the whistle blows, and you change partners!

Maybe you’re looking for a web designer? Perhaps you need a new banker? Are you on the lookout for a mentor in your chosen industry? Or are you searching for a potential business partner? The possibilities and outcomes are endless.

Can you comprehensively describe your business and intentions in just one minute? It’s harder than it sounds, which is why it must be perfect. Pitch perfect. Don’t waste anyone’s time, including your own.

Be genuine, don’t exaggerate or embellish.

Be concise, don’t digress or waffle

Know your goals, what you want to say and achieve.

Know your business, what it can offer, what it needs.

Understand and convey why your business is special.

Have confidence – you’ll be recognized as a strong source.

Bring an abundance of quality business cards, brochures or samples.

Appetizers and beverages will be served compliments of Care One at Morris.

To register for this event click here or visit www.parsippanychamber.org or call (973) 402-6400.

If your business is a PACC member and you would like to host an event, please call Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400.

 

Medical Spill in Roadway on Route 10

PARSIPPANY — Route 10 west, just prior to Route 53 there is a medial waste spilled in the roadway of approximately 1000 feet in length. Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1 Hazmat team and Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 Hazmat team is on the scene.  Morris County Hazmat was notified.