Kiwanis Club distributes gifts to JBWS for the holidays

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany conducted a clothing drive for Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS).  Karen DeChristopher, Co-Director Young Children Priority One chaired the efforts of the committee seeking donations of children’s socks, pajamas, underwear and winter hats for ages three to sixteen, both male and female.

IHOP, 792 Route 46, Arlington Shopping Center, and Boiling Springs Savings Bank, 66 North Beverwyck Road were major drop-off locations to bring the items. In addition, the Sons of Italy donated gift cards to help purchase some of the items needed; The Township of Parsippany employees also collected and donated items.

First Baptist Community Church, 800 Vail Road and Parsippany Hills High School Key Club members also participated and collected the needed items. Littleton School K-Kids collected over 100 books to be donated to the children.

Karen DeChristopher said “It’s great when so many people care and donate to a great organization.  We received more items than we ever expected. I want to thank everyone involved in helping Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany making a difference in our community.”

Domestic violence or abuse is when one person controls or coerces the other in an intimate relationship. It is about power and control. Abusers choose to use physical violence or emotional battering to express anger and gain control. They are not provoked to use violence; they alone are responsible for their inappropriate and unacceptable behavior. Domestic violence is a crime and can result in the abuser being removed or restrained from the home and/or jailed.

Jersey Battered Women’s Service in Morris County is a full-service domestic violence and domestic abuse prevention agency with volunteer opportunities. The services include a 24-hour hotline; counseling; safe house; transitional living; children’s services; life skills education; vocational counseling; batterers’ intervention; legal assistance; teen dating violence services; and professional training, education and youth prevention programs.

In 1976, a small group of women in Morris County began a helpline to aid victims of domestic violence. When two of these callers were murdered by their husbands, the need for a confidential shelter became urgent.

From its grass-roots beginnings, Jersey Battered Women’s Service opened its shelter doors to the community in late December 1978. Now, JBWS is a full-service, private, nonprofit domestic violence agency.

The mission of JBWS is the prevention of domestic violence through the protection and empowerment of the victim, the rehabilitation of family members, the advocacy of social reform to prevent partner violence, and the education of the public about domestic violence and its consequences.

Their vision is to create a community-wide culture that refuses to tolerate the presence of any form of family or partner violence.

Jersey Battered Women’s Service Administrative number is (973) 267-7520 or contact their 24-Hour Helpline at (973) 267-4763.

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.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany raises funds and donates to the Parsippany Food Pantry, Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany PAL Youth Center, Parsippany High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Hills High School Scholarship Program, Parsippany Child Day Center, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, Camp Nejeda, NJ Sharing Network, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Parsippany, Parsippany Project Graduation, Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Family Promise of Morris County, Parsippany Little League West, Parsippany Little League East to name a few.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets Thursday mornings at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46.   We are always looking for new volunteers.  Join us for breakfast and find out about our organization. For more information, click here.

Santa Tour by Rainbow Lakes Fire Department

PARSIPPANY — On Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, Santa Claus and his helpers will visit 32 locations in Parsippany Fire District Two. Santa will start his rounds at 5:30 p.m. and end approximately 8:35 p.m. at which time he will meet with his reindeers and start delivering toys to all the boys and girls around the world.

Santa invites young and old to visit with him, children in particular, as he will have a gift for those up to and including age seven and Christmas candy for those a bit older.

Santa and the elves of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company look forward to seeing you on Christmas Eve.

Click here to find out when Santa will be in your neighborhood.

Lake Hiawatha resident publishes another book: Fusheeswa

John Bidwell

PARSIPPANY — Lake Hiawatha resident John Bidwell published a book last June.

He is a long time resident of Lake Hiawatha, and a former member of the Lake Hiawatha Fire Department. He grew up with the Lake Hiawatha Library, and enjoyed the Parsippany School system.

The book, Fusheeswa, is available on Amazon.com, by clicking here.

It also can be ordered through Barnes and Noble, by clicking here.

The 210-page book is a paranormal romance, so great for the holidays or for Valentine’s Day coming up.

John Dreamer is a cancer survivor who has outlasted most with his condition. He knows this is due to a remarkable nurse who loves him as a son–so much that she is willing to risk everything in experimenting with his chemotherapy. What they find together is that her medicines spark supernatural dreams in John. With the help of his nurse, John discovers that he can bring other people into his dream state and walk through their memories with more clarity than one could imagine and find what people need to learn in order to repair their own broken dreams. But John has a dream of his own that will define the rest of his life, however long that may be. He dreams of a soul mate desperate for him to find her. How does one find the mate of his dreams? John finds the task impossible, but slowly clues emerge in connections he finds between his soul mate and his nurse, and even a dream repair case he is working on. But all this will take time, the one thing it appears he does not have.As his soul mate tells him in a dream, if he is to learn where dreams can take him and where they can’t, he must “have some faith.”

Dr. Julie Scarano joins Kiwanis Club

PARSIPPANY — Dr. Julie Scarano was inducted into Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. Pictured with Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Frank Cahill and Secretary Karen Gajewski, Dr. Julie Scarano, accepts her membership credentials.

A native of Little Falls, New York, Dr. Scarano joined Santiago Chiropractic Associates in December 2009 following a month long externship at the facility and her graduation from New York Chiropractic College (NYCC).

Prior to her chiropractic education, Dr. Scarano was a two-sport athlete (tennis and softball) at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in Biology. Following her doctorate degree, she completed the requirements of the International Chiropractic Association’s Council on Wellness Science to obtain credentialing as a Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner. This certification allows Dr. Scarano to specialize in chiropractic wellness, active care, offer nutritional guidance and lifestyle counseling.

Frank Cahill said “We welcome Dr. Scarano to this global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets every Thursday at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.

Council President Valori issues Resolution to stop Carifi from voting on appointment of new Township Attorney

PARSIPPANY — In a last minute attempt to save Township Attorney John Inglesino from being replaced by the new Administration at the annual reorganization meeting, Council President Louis Valori introduced Resolution No. 2017:187 at the final regular Council meeting held on Tuesday, December 19.

The resolution was approved 3-0 with two members abstaining. Council President Louis Valori, Councilman Michael dePierro and Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani voted to approve the resolution, while Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., abstained.

The resolution appoints Todd M. Galante, Esq. and Piro, Zinna, Cifelli, Paris and Genitempo, LLC, (PiroZinna Firm) as special legal counsel for purposes of advising the Township Council on potential conflicts involving Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. voting on the appointment of Township Attorney.

It is expected that Mayor-Elect Michael Soriano will nominate a new plenary Township Attorney, as well as Special Township Counsel at the Township Council’s reorganization meeting on January 1, 2018.

Democrat Mayor-elect Michael Soriano campaign promise is to replace current Township Attorney John Inglesino. Soriano has not announced who he will be nominating for Township Attorney.

Township Attorney John Inglesino

Township Attorney John Inglesino was appointed by Mayor James Barberio. During the eight years as Township Attorney, many of the years he was a “hold over” because not all Council members, including Council President Louis Valori, voted for reappointment of Inglesino.

The resolution states “the purpose of the Township Council retaining Mr. Galante and the PiroZinna Firm is to examine and opine on a potential conflict of interest involving Councilman Carifi, that may arise should Councilman Carifi vote on the Nominated Township Attorney or Special Counsel and Mr. Galante and PiroZinna shall prepare and deliver a legal opinion regarding potential conflict of interest as well as any other related issue pertaining thereto, to the Township Council in writing prior to the reorganization meeting scheduled for January 1, 2017. (Editors note: Although the resolution calls for a reorganization meeting on January 1, 2017, the actual reorganization will be held on January 2, 2018).

In addition the resolution states “Mr. Galante and the PiroZinna Firm shall and are hereby further authorized, by this Resolution, to take such other and further action they deem appropriate to prepare certain pleadings, legal papers and legal proceedings, including, but not limited to, an Order to Show Cause, to obtain declaratory judgment and whatever appropriate action and/or other relief as may be appropriate to enforce the purpose and directives of this Resolution, and shall file the same with the Clerk of the Superior Court of New Jersey should Councilman Carifi vote on the appointment of the Nominated Township Attorney or Special Counsel, and otherwise fully prosecute a definitive adjudication on said conflict of interest issue (as well as any other related issues or matters arising or related thereto) even if such full adjudication requires appeals.”

If they are successful in attempting to block Carifi, most likely the vote will be split 2-2 (Republicans dePierro and Gragnani voting against the new appointment, while new Council Democrat Candidates McCarthy and Peterson will vote for the new appointment) and Inglesino could become a hold-over.

Councilman Paul Carifi said “Just another attempt by Barberio to help his buddy Inglesino to continue to charge the residents of Parsippany outrages legal fees. Wasn’t this one of the reasons the residents of Parsippany overwhelmingly voted to get rid of Barberio and Inglesino. I wonder if Barberio, Inglesino and Valori had another Sunday night meeting to come up with this one.

Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.

The resolution also states “Councilman Carifi’s position on the Township Council creates the potential for a conflict of interest insofar as Councilman Carifi may seek to exercise his vote on the Nominated Township Attorney and any Special Counsel, who would have the authority to affect the outcome of the James Carifi Litigations.”

James Carifi is the brother of Township Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.

James Carifi has filed two civil actions against the Township, known as Carifi I and Carifi III, and the Township has filed a civil action against James Carifi, known as Carifi II.

Carifi I and Carifi III are at the trial court level, both actions are currently on appeal before the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division. The trial of Carifi II is imminent as the Superior Court of New Jersey has set a firm return date of January 5, 2018 for pre-trial motions.

Council President Louis Valori, also announced there will be a special council meeting on December 27 at 4:30 p.m. The agenda states:

  1. Resolution of the Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills authorizing the execution of an agreement with Morris Corporate Center VI, LLC for the installation and maintenance of landscaping on a portion of the property known as 100 Cherry Hill Road (block 136, lot 44) in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
  2. Resolution of the Township Council of the township of Parsippany-Troy Hills authorizing a mobile intensive care unit affiliation agreement with Prime Healthcare Services
  3. Resolution of the Township Council of the township of Parsippany-Troy Hills authorizing a developer’s agreement with 700 Mountain Way
  4. Any other action reasonably related thereto may also be taken. Formal action may or not be taken.

Mayor-elect Michael Soriano swept the General Election against Mayor James Barberio by almost 800 votes.

Michael Soriano (D) 6851
James Barberio (R) 6059

Council President Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso terms end on December 31, 2017 and will be replaced by Democrat Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson.

Michael Soriano 6851
James Barberio 6059
Lou Valori 5777
Vincent Ferrara 5701
Janice McCarthy 6532
Emily Peterson 6469

 

Jeter, a ten-year old male Schnauzer, wants to be adopted

Jeter wants to go home with you

PARSIPPANY — Jeter is a ten-year old male Schnauzer and as cute as can be! He loves being around people and always becomes the center of attention. Jeter enjoys going on walks and exploring the backyard! He does well with kids and other dogs. He is very sweet and quite the cuddle bug! After a nice walk, he picks a comfy spot right next to you on the couch. Jeter knows “sit” and “down” and is very food motivated. Who says old dogs can’t learn new tricks? Jeter is also house trained and not destructive when left alone! Jeter would make a perfect companion for any loving family!

If you are interested in adopting Jeter, please fill out an application by clicking here.

Follow Wise Animal Rescue on Instagram by clicking here; or Like them on Facebook by clicking here.

W.A.R.’s goal is to find the perfect family dynamic and place the dogs in a loving, safe and permanent home. All of the dogs available for adoption are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots and microchipped.

The adoption process starts with filling an application, home visit, meet and greet and then finalizing with an adoption contract and fee.

Adoption fees range from about $200.00 to $500.00. These fees help defray costs of veterinary and foster care and are tax deductible.

 

Santa Claus visits Carousel of Learning

PARSIPPANY — Santa Claus visited Carousel of Learning on Thursday December 21. With the help from Parsippany Parks & Forestry Santa came and sat with each child. The children were so excited. He came on the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery truck because the reindeer were resting. Thank you so much for making these children so happy!!

Pennacchio Calls for Action on Property Tax Relief Legislation

NEW JERSEY — Senator Joe Pennacchio called for action on legislation he sponsors to increase property tax relief for New Jerseyans through the elimination of the $10,000 limit on the property tax deduction that can be claimed by state income tax filers. Yesterday, Governor Christie expressed support for allowing homeowners to fully deduct their property taxes, saying it’s something the state can afford to do. Pennacchio said the Legislature should pass the measure now, with Christie’s support, or in the early days of the upcoming Murphy administration.

Senator Pennacchio calls on Governor-elect Murphy to committee to eliminating cap on property tax deduction.

“Governor-elect Murphy has been critical of the national restriction of the SALT deduction. If he is to be consistent, he should support eliminating New Jersey’s $10,000 cap,” stated Pennacchio. “Although asked for comments by various media groups, Governor-elect Phil Murphy has yet to say he will support the elimination of the $10,000 cap. I am asking for the Governor-elect’s commitment, yea or nay. If nay, that puts great urgency on the Legislature to pass S-3598 and have Governor Christie sign it.”

Pennacchio’s legislation, S-3598, would allow New Jersey homeowners and renters to fully deduct their property taxes. The maximum deduction that can be claimed under the New Jersey Gross Income Tax for property taxes is currently $10,000.

“Seizing this opportunity to provide immediate property tax relief should be the top priority in Trenton,” Pennacchio stated. “My bill, S-3598, provides solutions to Governor-elect Murphy’s concerns of Washington and focuses on supporting our hard working families in New Jersey.”

Two Arrested in Connection with Police Pursuit

MORRIS PLAINS — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morris Plains Borough Police Chief Jason A. Kohn announce the arrests of Meshach Whagar, 28, Newark,  and Tione Davis, 35, East Orange, on charges related to a police pursuit that occurred during the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 19.

On Tuesday, December 19, at approximately 1:15 a.m., law enforcement identified a vehicle in the area of Hanover Avenue and Speedwell Avenue in Morris Plains with a registration tag that was not assigned to the vehicle.

When officers attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, the vehicle accelerated and attempted to flee.  The pursuit continued into Morris Township, where the driver ultimately lost control and crashed into a telephone pole on Hanover Avenue.

Both occupants fled the car on foot.  Whagar, later identified as the driver, was located hiding in a garage in Morris Township shortly after the pursuit.  Davis was apprehended on the morning of Wednesday, December 20 at his place of employment.

During a search of the car, law enforcement officers recovered two handguns.  One of the handguns contained dum-dum bullets.

Whagar was charged with one count of Eluding, a crime of the second degree, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, crimes of the second degree, one count of Burglary, a crime of the third degree, one count of Resisting Arrest, a crime of the third degree, one count of Hindering Apprehension, a crime of the third degree, and one count of Possession of Dum-Dum Bullets, a crime of the fourth degree.  Whagar was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility on a warrant-complaint in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act.

Davis was charged with two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, crimes of the second degree, one count of Resisting Arrest, a crime of the third degree, and one count of Possession of Dum-Dum Bullets, a crime of the fourth degree.  Davis was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility on a warrant-complaint in accordance with the Criminal Justice Reform Act.

Numerous law enforcement agencies assisted in the investigation, including the Morris Plains Borough Police Department, the Morris Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morristown Police Department, the Morris County Park Police, the Madison Police Department, and the Florham Park Police Department.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or the Morris Plains Police Department at (973) 538-2284.

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.

Comedy Night is Coming to Morris Catholic High School

DENVILLE — Morris Catholic High School will be hosting a Comedy Night Fundraiser to support the MCHS Athletic programs, on January 20. The night will include three comedians, a silent auction, a tricky tray, a 50-50 raffle and the ever popular Lottery Apron.  The comedians are Uncle Floyd, Bobby Gonzo and Brad Trackmen. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

The price of the ticket is $25.00 and the event is a BYOB and a BYOF.  Coffee and Dessert will be provided.

Morris Catholic is located at 200 Morris Avenue in Denville.  For ticket information email mccomedynight@gmail.com or call (973) 627-6674 ext. 209.

Click here to download ticket order form.

Click here to download event flyer.