PARSIPPANY — While traveling in a marked patrol vehicle on Route 46 West, Patrol Sergeant Steve Miller and Ronald Carrozzino observed a 2004 Nissan Maxima on the eastbound shoulder of Route 46 with their hazard and reverse lights activated at 10:29 a.m. on Saturday, May 6.
They responded to the vehicles location to see if they could provide any assistance. Once contact was made with the occupants, a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle.
After a brief investigation, the driver, Summer Mitchell, 26, Brooklyn, NY, was placed under arrest for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The passenger, Jermaine Lincoln, 21, Brooklyn, NY, was also placed under arrest for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
They were both transported back to Police Headquarters for processing at which time they were charged on a Complaint-Summons with the following:
• Summer Mitchell – Possession of Marijuana Under 50 grams Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Jermaine Lincoln – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
They were both released on their own recognizance pending their court date.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Initial unconfirmed reports indicate a stolen Black Mercedes was involved in a police pursuit which went through Boonton Township, Montville, Boonton and ended on Route 80, Exit 42 in Parsippany on Saturday, May 13 at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The Black Mercedes was in a police chase and ended on Route 80 near Cherry Hill Road. Sergeant Ross Cooper is seen with other officers at the scene. The Mercedes had blown out tires and front end damage.Morris County Sheriff’s Office on the scene
Police were at the scene and took an individual into custody on the exit ramp of Route 80 heading to Cherry Hill Road. Rockaway Neck Volunteer ambulance arrived at the scene, as a precautionary to check on an officer who received a minor cut, and the driver of the stolen vehicle was complaining of chest pains.
Parsippany Police, Morris County Park Police, State Police, Morris County Sheriff Department and other agencies on the scene.
Parsippany Focus will update article as details become available.
Police Unity Tour At National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Photo by Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps
PARSIPPANY — Tuesday, May 9 was the first of four days of bicycle riding for the Police Unity Tour Chapter 1 participants who left from Florham Park and are headed to Washington, DC.
The Unity Tour consists of Police Officers from not only around the United States, but a handful of other Countries. On the fourth day of the ride over 1,500 riders from all of the Chapters come together for one final ride into the Law Enforcement Memorial.
Team “ParFedLakes” consists of Parsippany and Mountain Lakes Police Officers, along with Special Agents from the FBI.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Paul Philipps is riding in honor of Sergeant Kerry Joseph Winters Sr., of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York.
Ulster County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kerry Winters died after being found unconscious during an in-water dive training exercise at the Ashokan Reservoir in Olive, New York
Sergeant Winters was a member of the Sheriff’s dive team and died during a training dive on Thursday, September 22, 2016.
“As a member of the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery dive team, the tragic loss of Sergeant Winters touched me,” said Philipps.
Philipps will have the bitter sweet experience of meeting Sergeant Winters’s friends and family at the Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C.
Philipps said “As I’ve done, too many times, at the conclusion of the Police Unity Tour ride I will give the widow a bracelet with his name as a memento. I want Mrs. Winters and all the families of our fallen officers to know that the sacrifice of their loved ones is appreciated and remembered.”
Winters, who had been with the Sheriff’s Office for thirty years, was a 1983 graduate of Saugerties High School, where he had been a standout wrestler and football player. A Saugerties resident, he was married to the former Michele “Mitchy” Ferraro and had two sons.
The Police Unity Tour’s motto is: “We Ride for Those Who Died” and we raise awareness about America’s fallen officers.
Philipps goal was to raise $1,850.00 but he raised $5,110.00, which is 276% higher than Paul’s goal. To see the complete list of donations, click here.
Police Unity Tour 2017
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Parsippany Police trailer at the beginning of the Police Unity Tour
The Police Unity tour trailer
Riders lined up
Parsippany Police Chief Paul Philipps and Office of Emergency Management member Al Goldberg
Riders lined up
Office of Emergency Management member Al Goldberg and Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon
PARSIPPANY — Democratic State Assembly Candidate Laura Fortgang is celebrating working mothers across New Jersey this Mothers’ Day weekend and held a clothing drive for Dress for Success on Saturday, May 13 at the Parsippany IHOP.
Dress for Success collects gently used business attire for disadvantaged women who are entering, or re-entering, the workforce to achieve economic independence and stability.
The event also honors the original intention of Mothers’ Day, which began in the 1850s as a call to action for women to become politically engaged in their communities. These “women work days” involved protesting for peace against the Civil War, improving sanitation to reduce infant mortality rates, and hosting post-war reconciliation events.
Laura Fortgang is running for State Assembly in New Jersey’s 26th District to restore accountability, transparency, and common sense to state government. A Verona resident, Laura is an internationally recognized career coach, best-selling author and mother of three. For more information click here.
Clothing drive for Dress for Success was held at Parsippany IHOPLaura Fortgang putting more clothes that was collected at IHOP
Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and life.
The 26th district includes the Morris County municipalities of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, Butler Borough, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon Borough, Lincoln Park Borough, Montville Township, Morris Plains Borough, and Rockaway Township; Essex County communities of Fairfield Township, North Caldwell Borough, Verona Township, West Caldwell Township; Passaic County community of West Milford Township.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents will be able to comment on the expanding opioid epidemic at a May 17 town hall meeting in Parsippany co-sponsored by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp.
The event at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue will give residents a chance to join an informal conversation on the national epidemic and is part of the non-profit Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Hall series. The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m.
Organized with the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, the town hall series focuses on prescription drug dependency and heroin abuse and includes collaboration from local and county law enforcement, government and medical community leaders.
In addition to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, co-sponsors for the Morris event include the County of Morris, the Community Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Morris and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office
Speakers include Prosecutor Knapp, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, head of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division; Diane P. Calello, executive and medical director, NJ Poison Information and Education System; Barbara Kauffman, director of Prevention Services, MCPIK; Vicky Mulligan, an organizer with MorrisCountyStigmaFree.org and Alton Robinson, Recovery Advocate with CARES NJ.
More than 33,000 Americans die annually from opioid overdose, an average of about 91 deaths per day, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Morris County, deaths caused by opioid overdoses increased from 43 in 2015 to 64 in 2016. There have been at least 34 such deaths so far in 2017.
Hoping to stem the tide of addiction, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will launch a new program May 18 aimed at steering drug users into treatment. Known as Narcan 2.0, the initiative will require law enforcement officers to contact peer recovery counselors whenever they use the drug, Narcan, to reverse an overdose. This would truly give individuals a second chance at life.
PARSIPPANY — Cuba Mia, 707 Route 46, next to Holiday Inn and Suites, held a ribbon cutting grand opening ceremony on Thursday, May 11. Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Robert Peluso was on hand to cut the official red ribbon and welcome the new business to the community.
Joining Peluso, was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill and board members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov.
The new restaurant is open seven days a week and offers unique Cuban-Latin Fusion Cuisine, cocktails, with ambience and nightlife. Their Sangria bar offers eight various flavors; a private party room in their newly renovated wine room.
Some of their menu items include Ceviches, Appetizers, Vegetarian, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Pizza Cubana and a list of Entrees. Some of their soups include Sopa 7 Mares which is a mixed seafood clams, shrimps, black clams, peppers, onions and tomatoes; or Garbanzo Montuno: Chick peas soup with chorizo, bacon, serrano ham, potatoes, malanga and butter squash. Some of their entrees include Bistec de Palomilla: 8 ounce sirloin steak cuban style, fresh garlic, orange juice, white onions, black pepper and salt, served with black bean rice and fried green plantains; Costillas Guayaba BBQ: Braised ribs, mashed potato, drizzled with guava BBQ with a pineapple salsa; Chef Solomillo: Tender oven cooked pork solomillo with onions and portabella white onion sauce served over mashed potatoes and vegetables. (click here to view entire menu)
Cuba Mia offers a complete wine list, their Signature Sangria, Mojitos, Margaritas and Cocktails.
Their selection of domestic and imported beers include Amstel Light, Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Corona, Corona Light, Heineken, Heineken Light, Miller Light, Newcastle Brown, O’Douls, Strongbow, Victory Golden Monkey and Yuengling. Latino beers include Aguila, Cristal, Imperial Modelo, Negra Modelo, Presidente and Tecate. (click here to view entire drink menu)
Cuba Mia Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening
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Cuba Mia held its ribbon cutting grand opening on Thursday, May 11
Parsippany resident Luis Matos with the Flamingo Dancers
The Fireball girls
Sheel Patel
Robert Peluso congratulating the owners
Luis Matos Shaza Lauren, Executive Chef Serafin Sarduy, Sheel Patel, John Patel, Robert Peluso, Raj Asher, Amar Longia and Sara Viteri hold the ribbon
Amar Longia with a Flamingo Dancer
Tony Santana's Cigars
Israel Ramirez serving hors d'oeuvres
Executive Chef Serafin Sarduy
Cuba Mia was packed with guests
The Flamingo Dancers with Nicolas Limanov
The Flamingo Dancers
Sheel Patel, Ryan Thibault and Raj Ashier
Parsippany resident Michele Lupenski and Parsippany Council Candidate Brian Stanton
Christopher Reeder serving the hors d'oeuvres
Servers Christopher Reeder and Josh Williams
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board member Nicolas Limanov and Parsippany CERT member Al Goldberg
Residents Catherine Kilkenny and Jeff Rosenberg
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill
The Peluso family
Private parties hosted in their newly renovated wine room
Cuba Mia's "uptown" dining room
Cuba Mia's Sangria bar offers eight various flavors
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce held a networking meeting on “Social Media & Why We All Need to Engage.” The event was presented by Ilene Greene and Ted Polmar, Principals of MarketShare Communications and BizCircles Entrepreneurs Business Network.
“There was a time when social media was considered by some as a passing fad. Something that “the kids” were using, that businesses could never really benefit from. Today roughly eight-in-ten online Americans (79%) now use Facebook, a 7-percentage-point increase from a survey conducted about one year ago,” said Ilene Greene.
Popular social platforms have become marketing giants, offering businesses valuable data about their customers and a (mostly) free way to reach them. Social media for business is no longer optional.
The attendees had an opportunity to find out who is using social media, how often they engage and which ones. Social Media helps you get: Exposure • Brand Awareness • Customer Loyalty and more.
The event was held at IHOP, 792 Route 46.
For more information on Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey’s 2017 gubernatorial primary election is Tuesday, May 16. In addition, there are a host of a state legislative, county elections and in Parsippany, Mayor and Council to be decided on Tuesday, June 6.
You may register to vote in Morris County if:
You are a citizen of the United States
You will be 18 years of age on or before the next election
You are not incarcerated, on parole, or on probation due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal or state laws
You are a Morris County resident 30 days before the election
You are a resident of the election district in which you expect to vote at the time of registration
You can obtain voter registration applications from Khaled Madin, Township Clerk’s Office, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard or from the Morris County Board of Elections Office in Morristown. The form can be downloaded by clicking here.
The Board of Elections Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It will stay open late on Tuesday, May 16, until 9:00 p.m. to accept voter registrations.
Voter registrations cannot be submitted online, emailed or faxed. Original applications must be hand delivered or postmarked on or before Tuesday, May 16.
In the Tuesday, June 6 primary election, you may only vote for a candidate in your declared party (Republican or Democrat).
If you are a registered voter who has never declared a party, you will complete a Political Party Affiliation Declaration at your polling place on the day of the Primary Election. This declaration must be made before you will be permitted to vote in that Primary Election.
The General Election is the only time you can cross party lines.
You may not vote in a primary election if you are a declared US Constitution, Green, Libertarian, Natural Law, Reform, Socialist Party of New Jersey or Conservative Party member.
For a wealth of information on voting, please visit the Morris County Elections by clicking here.
To get a voter registration form and more information call (973) 285-6715 or click here.
Also, if you are not going to be in Morris County or can’t get to the polls that day, mail-in ballots can be obtained through the Morris County Clerk’s Office. The application can be downloaded by clicking here. The deadline to apply for mail-in ballots through the mail is May 30. The deadline to apply in person is June 5 at 3:00 p.m.
If you have a question regarding mail-in ballots or require a ballot mailed to your residence, please call (973) 285-6715.
PARSIPPANY — The United States Patriot Award was presented to Mr. Lawrence Pascale, Regional Sales Manager for Hercules. The company is located at 8 Eastmans Road.
The United Stated Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presented Mr. Pascale with the Patriot Award for his support to Sterling Schwab, Hercules Account Executive, during his deployment to Afghanistan from August 2015 thru August 2016. Mr. Gerard Felt of the ESGR presented the award at Hercules Parsippany terminal on April 26.
The Award recognizes individuals at a company that support employees who are members of the US Guard and Reserve. The award reflects the efforts of Mr. Pascale to go above and beyond in his support of Guard and Reserve members.
Lawrence Pascale has been with Hercules Forwarding since November, 2009 managing the sales and operations of Hercules New Jersey terminal and the northeast region.
Hercules Forwarding is an award winning asset based motor carrier specializing in US to Canada LTL shipments. The carrier offers the service advantages and flexibility of a regional carrier, with the coverage of a national carrier; a crucial difference that has made Hercules one of the fastest growing LTL carriers in the market. Utilizing the latest “green” fleet technology advancements available to truck carriers, Hercules is a responsible partner with both the Canada Border Services Agency, and US Customs and Border Protection.
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori has rescheduled its regular meeting that was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
The rescheduled date will be Monday, May 22, 2017 at 7:30 p.m., in the Municipal Building located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
Formal action may or not be taken.
At this time there is no agenda prepared for the rescheduled date.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, May 6 at approximately 7:20 p.m. Mr. Geovanni Barrientos, 22, Clifton was driving a 2007 Toyota Camry, heading south toward Littleton Road (off Route 46), when a vehicle driven by Ms. Olivia Matts, 17, West Orange, struck the front of his vehicle.
Ms. Matts ran the red traffic light on Smith Road heading toward Route 46 when she struck the vehicle. Ms. Matts was driving at 2017 Toyota Yaris.
Patrolman Clarence Deloatch investigated the accident and determined Ms. Matts was at fault for failure to observe a traffic signal.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene by Hiawatha Towing. At the time of the police report there were no summons issued.
The crash occurred at the intersection of Littleton Road and Smith Road, near Route 46Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and was towed from the scene by Hiawatha Towing.The driver of the Toyota Yaris ran the red light crashing into the other vehicle.
PARSIPPANY — The Puddingstone Community Club will be hosting a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, May 23 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
There are four candidates running for Mayor and eight candidates running for the two open Township Council Seats.
Democrats and Republicans will be discussing their qualifications and platforms as well as taking questions from the audience.
Republican candidates for Mayor are James Barberio and Robert Peluso. Candidates for Township Council are Brian Stanton; Christopher Martino and Casey Parikh (Peluso Team); and Louis Valori and Vincent Ferrara (Barberio Team).
Democrat candidates for Mayor are Michael Soriano and Thomas Fulco. Candidates for Township Council are Janice McCarthy and Emily Peterson (Soriano Team); and Katherine Cassidy.
The Puddingstone Community Club is located at 24 High Ridge Road.
For additional information and RSVP please call Phil Eden at (862) 251-0281 or email at phil.eden@edenscastle.com or Tom Williams at (973) 540-9691 or email at tomwms@optonline.net.
The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 6. To find your voting location, click here.
PARSIPPANY — LaurenO’Herlihy, a 2013 graduate of Parsippany High School, has been named to the Elmira College Dean’s List for the Winter 2017 Term. Full-time students who achieve a grade point average of 3.600 or higher at the end of any Term I or Term II are placed on the Dean’s List at the college. Lauren is majoring in Speech And Language Disabilities.
Elmira College is a private, coeducational, Phi Beta Kappa college founded in 1855, located in Elmira, New York. The College has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 1,200 full-time mostly-residential students, and is the guardian of Quarry Farms where Mark Twain summered for decades and where he wrote many of his most iconic novels and is today a research center for visiting Twain scholars. The College has been ranked as a Best College in the Northeast by the Princeton Review and a Top Tier national liberal arts college by U.S. News & World Report, which also ranked Elmira College as a leading college, nationally, for student internships. The Philadelphia Inquirer cited the Elmira College campus as ‘picture postcard perfect.’
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District plans to eliminate 14 teaching positions from the middle school and cut the school’s reading and writing program, according to the Daily Record. The district adopted the proposed cuts at the Thursday board meeting in response to severe budget deficits resulting from the hard cap limit of 2-percent increase…
PARSIPPANY — Boy Scouts of America, Patriots’ Path Council honored seven local citizens at the 2017 Parsippany Good Scout Award Dinner held on the evening of Tuesday, May 9 at Embassy Suites.
The event recognizes these seven outstanding citizens for their community service, as evidenced by their leadership and interests within the Parsippany community, and for their embodiment of the values of the century old Scout Oath and Law in their personal and professional lives.
The event chair was Council Vice President of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Robert Peluso.
“We are truly blessed to live in a community where so many people give so much back and serve as outstanding role models for our future leaders. I am honored to bring back the Parsippany Good Scout Awards after 15 years. The Scouting community considers service as one of its core values and I congratulate all of Parsippany’s honorees who display these values. Boy Scouts of America, Patriots’ Path Council considers all honorees heroes of character and compassion, dedication and devotion, selflessness, and service to the betterment of others. Scouting supports a world class Anti-Bullying Program and I am proud to be part of these youth programs” said Robert Peluso, Chairman of Good Scout Awards.
Boy Scouts of American 2017 Parsippany Good Scout Awards
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Opening Ceremony Flag Detail presented by Boy Scout Troop 72 and Boy Scout Troop 173
Karen DeChristopher delivering her speech
Robert Peluso presenting Karen DeChristopher with the "2017 Parsippany Good Scout Award"
Nicolas Limanov introducing Frank Cahill
Robert Peluso presenting Frank Cahill with the "2017 Parsippany Good Scout Award"
Frank L. Cahill, Publisher, Parsippany Focus
Council Vice President Robert Peluso and Carlos Guzman
Eric Hubner, Director of Emergency Management and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov
Robert Peluso congratulating the Cerbo Family
Robert Peluso, Joe Cerbo, Cindy Cooper and Tony Cerbo III
Dr. Arnold Pallay presented Dr. Frank Iannetta
Dr. Frank Iannetta
Robert Peluso presents Dr. Iannetta with the "2017 Parsippany Good Scout Award"
Dr. Carol Parikh introduced her father, Casey Parikh
Dr. Carol Parikh, Robert Peluso and Casey Parikh
Honorees Frank Cahill, Karen DeChristopher and Casey Parikh, all members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Frank Cahill and Joyce Garrow
Casey Parikh with his friends and family
Kiwanis members Karen Gajewski and Joyce Garrow
Honorees Karen DeChristopher, Frank Cahill, Tony Cerbo III, Cindy Cooper, Joe Cooper, Casey Parikh, Dr. Frank Iannetta and Council Vice President Robert Peluso
Peluso continued “Over 360 youths are served by nine scouting units under the leadership of 148 volunteers. In Parsippany we have five Packs for Cub Scouts two Troops for Boy Scouts sponsored by Saint Peter the Apostle Church, and Sedgefield Civic Association, one Venturing crew, and one police explorer post. Scouting teaches the passion for reaching goals without a me-first attitude of self-importance, and how to be a team member along with lifesaving First Aid skills that can save a life anywhere. Scouts use the EDGE Method by explaining, demonstrating, guiding, and enabling. This youth movement provides ideals that speak to life-values and teaches skills. The Boy Scouts of America provides a solid STEM program for first through twelfth grades. As Scouts, our children can pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and their sub-disciplines with in each of these as career paths or hobbies.”
This years honorees were Frank Cahill; Tony Cerbo III, Cindy Cooper, and Joe Cerbo; Karen DeChristopher; Frank Iannetta, MD, FAAFP; and Casey (Kaushik) Parikh.
Frank L. Cahill, Publisher, Parsippany Focus
Frank L. Cahill, Publisher, Parsippany Focus
Frank Cahill has been an outstanding individual serving the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills for over 25 years. He volunteers his time with the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Homeless Solutions to name a few. Frank is owner and publisher of Parsippany Focus. Parsippany Focus was first published on October 1, 1989.
Frank is dedicated to Parsippany. He attends many high school football games, Plays, Concerts, Pancake fundraisers for organizations raising funds, Boy Scout events, Girl Scout events, and elementary school through high school. He is there making sure everyone gets the coverage and publicity they deserve.
He also donates website design and hosting to numerous Non-Profit Organizations such as Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Parsippany Chamber of Commerce and others.
On September 30, 1992, The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills named that day as “Frank Cahill Day” in Parsippany. Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen congratulated Frank Cahill on January 30, 2012 as being selected recipient of the 2012 Board Member of the Year Award from Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
On October 1, 2015, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council named that day as “Parsippany Focus Day.”
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Rotary nominated Frank Cahill as Small Business Person of the Year and was honored on February 28, 2015. Cahill was honored with a prestigious ‘Courage Under Fire’ award on Saturday, June 27 from Society of Professional Journalists.
Frank Cahill has volunteered on the following non-profit organizations:
Board Member of New Jersey Chapter of Cooley’s Anemia Foundation for over ten years
Board Member, Vice President, President-elect Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
Volunteer for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Volunteer Homeless Solutions
Volunteer Children’s Cancer Foundation
Current President-Elect Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, and Past Vice President Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany
Frank Cahill has the ability to relate to all ages and has open ears to listen to everyone and never closes a door on any individual.
Karen DeChristopher
Division Marketing and Customer Relations Administrator Western Pest Services
Robert Peluso presents Karen DeChristopher with the “2017 Parsippany Good Scout Award”
Karen DeChristopher is a resident of Morris Country for over 22 years. She develops life-long mentoring relationships with many of the people she comes in contact with. Inspired by her life experiences, understanding of the needs of people in distress and the desire to encourage others guides Karen throughout her life for a history of giving back. She continuously offers her talents, knowledge, financial, and emotional support to help make a difference in the lives of others for many organizations that she is involved with. Karen is involved in many local community efforts and non-profits. Currently, she is the Senior Community Emergency Team (CERT) Leader for the Parsippany Office of Emergency Management; the Board Vice President of Family Promise of Morris County; Vice President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany; Chair of the American Cancer Society Luminaria Committee and Event Lead Co-Chair for Relay for Life of Central Morris County; and a member of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany Troy-Hills Karen somehow also finds time to support and advocate for the Jersey Battered Women’s Services, Prevent Child Abuse-NJ, Parsippany Food Pantry, and the Center for Hope Hospice. In her professional life, she has worked for over 24 years as the Division Marketing & Customer Relations Administrator at Western Pest Services in Parsippany. She is the Program Director and Parliamentarian on the Executive Committee of the Rollins Employee Relief Fund. She has been nominated for Western’s “Circle of Excellence” award eight years in a row and won every other year. In 2004, Karen was awarded the “Legion of Honor” award by the Chapel of Four Chaplains, which honors outstanding members of society whose lives model the giving spirit and unconditional service to the community. In September 2011, Karen received the company’s exclusive and prestigious “President’s Club Award,” and in April 2012, she was the recipient of Western’s second annual “Women of Distinction Award.” Outside of work, DeChristopher has just as many accomplishments. In November 2011, Karen was honored as the first recipient of Family Promise’s Community Impact Award and received a citation and resolution issued by Senator Anthony Bucco and the N.J. State Legislation for all that she does for Family Promise and her community. In addition, Karen along with the entire CERT & RACES groups were recognized by the mayor of Parsippany and the town council with a certificate for their efforts during Hurricane Irene. In June 2016, Karen was presented with the “Eternal Flame Award” which was presented by the American Cancer Society in recognition of Karen taking her “cancer experience” and turning it into something positive by helping others facing the disease. Then on January 10, 2017, Karen received the George F. Hixon Fellowship Award presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for all her contributions to the betterment of the club. Being one of ten siblings, an important aspect of Karen’s life is her family — Karen’s tireless and selfless efforts would not be possible with out the support of her husband Ralph and her three children.
Casey (Kaushik) Parikh – Past Chairman Parsippany Planning Board
and Retired Director of Data Communications ADT/TYCO
Casey Parikh with his friends and family
Casey is a honest, courteous, and generous person with high moral values. He is an active volunteer and provides selfless service to the Parsippany community. He mentors the younger generation and works with seniors to improve their quality of life. He always looks for the opportunity to serve the community. Casey has been a resident of Parsippany for over 30 years. He lives with his wife Rita. His daughter Coral lives with her husband Krishna in New York. His son Emil, also in NY, is an IT professional. Casey graduated as an Electrical Engineer from the University of Bombay, India. He earned his Masters and MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology. Casey worked at Kennedy Space Center, FL for NASA as a launch team member of the Space Shuttle. At Tyco International he served as Director and recently retired to dedicate his full attention to community service. Casey served as chairman of the planning board for 24 years. He was a member of the Rotary Club and currently is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. He is one of the founders of the Parsippany Indian Association. He has served on the Board of Education demographics committee; as board member of the Parsippany Day Care; and the Attorney Ethics Committee and as an advisor to Morris county seniors. He is always looking for opportunities to help others.
Honorees Tony Cerbo III, President; Cindy Cooper and Joe Cerbo, Vice Presidents
Joe Cerbo, Cindy Cooper and Tony Cerbo III receiving their award from Robert Peluso
Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouse & Garden Center has spent over a century serving the town and surrounding communities. From a simple roadside stand established in 1913, Cerbo’s has grown into full service garden center that takes pride in growing plants and nursery stock that thrive in Morris County. As a family-run business, Cerbo’s takes pride in strong family values instilled by Anthony Cerbo Sr. and his son Tony Cerbo, Jr. Now, as Tony Cerbo III, alongside his sister Cindy and brother Joe, have taken over daily operations, they are working closely with a fourth generation of Cerbos to reinforce the understanding that taking pride in your work and educating the consumer is what makes the garden center thrive. Whether the family is working on plant sales for a local school or encouraging Arbor Day tree plantings, they are conscious of the community. And, with rain gardens and sustainable agriculture, the Cerbo family has the future in mind with environmental awareness.
Frank Iannetta, MD, FAAFP,
Associate Medical Director, Vanguard Medical Group in Montville
Robert Peluso presents Dr. Iannetta with the “2017 Parsippany Good Scout Award”
Dr. lannetta received his medical degree from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1987. He then finished a three-year residency at Mountainside Hospital, and was chief resident during his final year. He has been in practice in Montville for over 26 years. He has been a guest speaker on local cable and radio stations on a multitude of medical topics. Dr. lannetta is an assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 72 of Parsippany, and has been involved in Scouting for over 15 years. He is currently a member of the risk management committee. During his free time, he can be found enjoying time with his wife and six children, four of whom were adopted from foster care. They have cared for more than 60 other children since 1996. He also spends time updating his computer skills, reading science fiction and fantasy and tending to his extensive comic book collection.
PARSIPPANY — Multiple Parsippany Police Officers responded to a residence near the intersection of South Beverwyck Road and Edgewood Court for a noise complaint on Saturday, May 6 at 11:40 p.m.
Upon arrival, officers spoke to Adam Gill, 21, Oak Ridge. He was advised of the complaint and that the 400+ guests should disburse.
While speaking to Mr. Gill multiple physical altercations began to occur on the rear deck and inside the residence between partygoers.
When the Officers attempted to break up one of the fights on the deck, they were encircled by the crowd who began pushing the officers.
Additional Parsippany Police patrols responded to the scene, along with other nearby jurisdictions. With assistance from Officers from the below jurisdictions the partygoers were disburse without further issue.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The jurisdictions that assisted were:
New Jersey State Police, Hanover Police Department, East Hanover Police Department, Morris Plains Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Denville Police Department, Wharton Police Department, Morris County Park Police, Fairfield Police Department, Rockaway Police Department, and Montville Police Department.
Adam Gill along with James Moran, 22, Waldwick, who are both tenants of the premise, were both issued Local Ordinance violations for the Noise complaint.
They were both released on their own recognizance pending their court date.
TRENTON — New Jersey’s unemployment rate continued its decline for the fourth consecutive month in March, falling for the seventh time in the past eight months, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which fixed the rate at 4.2%. It marks the state’s lowest unemployment rate since May 2007, and it was again below the national average, which was 4.5% in March.
The BLS household survey data showed more New Jersey residents, 4,331,300, reported to be working in March than at any other time in state history, and the lowest number of people, 190,700, reporting to be unemployed since July 2007. However, the BLS data was mixed, with preliminary employer survey data for the month showing total nonfarm wage and salary employment contracted by 17,500 to reach a seasonally adjusted level of 4,111,000 (-19,100 private, +1,600 public).
Looking at the longer term BLS data, New Jersey’s private-sector employers have added 54,100 jobs over the past year (March 2016 – March 2017). Since February 2010, the low point for private-sector employment during the most recent recession, private-sector employment in the Garden State has increased by 306,500 jobs.
“New Jersey’s economic recovery continues, with a 10-year low unemployment rate that is better than the national average and a record number of employed New Jerseyans,” said James Wooster, Chief Economist for the state Department of Labor & Workforce Development. “On a month-to-month basis, the payroll employment numbers often demonstrate a certain instability, especially for the initial estimates. However, the overall trend of growth and recovery shows no real sign of abating.”
Based on more complete reporting from employers, previously released February estimates were revised by 1,700, to show an over-the-month (January – February) total nonfarm employment gain of 10,900 jobs. Preliminary estimates had initially indicated an over-the-month gain of 12,600 jobs. The state’s February unemployment rate also was revised from 4.4%, which was originally reported, to 4.5%.
In March, job gains were posted in three of nine major private industry sectors: manufacturing (+300), information (+300), and education and health services (+200). Sectors that recorded losses included: leisure and hospitality (-6,300), professional and business services (-5,000), trade, transportation, and utilities (-4,300), construction (-2,800), other services (-1,200), and financial activities (-300). Over the month, public sector employment was higher by 1,600, with all of the advance occurring at the local government level (+1,700).
PARSIPPANY — Marco Lima, CFP, and Adam C. Anderson, CFP, CRPC, Private Wealth Advisors with Morris Retirement Advisors, a financial/private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Parsippany and Sparta, have qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2017.
To earn this achievement, Lima and Anderson established themselves as two of the company’s top advisors by consistently demonstrating exceptional commitment to financial planning and superior client service. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction.
Adam Anderson, CFP, CRPC
As Private Wealth Advisors, Lima and Anderson provide financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations, and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. Morris Retirement Advisors has served the Parsippany area since 2014 and the Sparta area since 2015. For more information, please contact Carol Kupetz at (973) 917-3905 or visit the Ameriprise office at 3799 Route 46.
About Ameriprise Financial At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 120 years. With a network of 10,000 financial advisors and outstanding asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of consumer financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise.com or www.ameripriseadvisors.com/marco.x.lima/
Police were at the scene and took an individual into custody on the exit ramp of Route 80 heading to Cherry Hill Road. Rockaway Neck Volunteer ambulance arrived at the scene, as a precautionary to check on an officer who received a minor cut, and the driver of the stolen vehicle was complaining of chest pains.
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Louis Valori has rescheduled its regular meeting that was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
