Prosecutor’s Office Partners with NOBLE to Host “Safe Stop” Program at PHHS

Frank L. Cahill
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Prosecutor’s Office Partners with NOBLE to Host “Safe Stop” Program at PHHS

PARSIPPANY — On October 2, 2018, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Supervisor Patrick LaGuerre and Detective Spence Osaigbovo joined Kim Nelson-Edwards of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) to conduct the “Safe Stop” program at Parsippany Hills High School. This program was organized with the help of Parsippany Hills High School physical education teacher Mark Smith. Students from the tenth grade attended the program throughout the morning.

“Safe Stop” is a program created by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which aims to ensure that every traffic stop in New Jersey ends safely for all involved parties. The presentation educated the students on what to do and what not to do during a traffic stop. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and NOBLE aim to continue working with the community to develop strong relationships between the Morris County community and local law enforcement. This event at Parsippany Hills High School is one of many such community outreach programs that the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office will conduct in the near future.

Kim Nelson-Edwards of NOBLE, Parsippany Hills High School Teacher Karen Brzezinski, and Det/Sup LaGuerre

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp stated, “Safe Stop is an extremely valuable program in ensuring that members of the Morris County community are comfortable when working with our local law enforcement. The safety of our residents and of our law enforcement officers is of the utmost importance”.

Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department visits Carousel of Learning

Frank L. Cahill
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Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department visits Carousel of Learning

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3 visited Carousel of Learning Pre-School & Nursery, 244 Kingston Road, on Friday, September 5 to bring awareness to the children. The children had an opportunity to walk through the cabin of the fire truck and learn that firemen are their friends.

Children posing in front of Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Fire Truck

October 7 through October 13 is “Fire Prevention Week.”

Children posing in front of Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department Fire Truck

This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” works to educate people about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire––and how to escape safely in the event of one:

LOOK
Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Also, Sparky the Fire Dog® has a new friend, Simon, who is helping teach this year’s FPW messages – He’s a smart, resourceful character who will join Sparky in spreading fire-safety messages to adults and children alike.

Ayyan Vimalraj getting off the fire truck
Lake Parsippany Fire Chief Mark Turo educating the pre-schoolers

Parsippany Fall Festival draws huge crowds

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Fall Festival draws huge crowds

PARSIPPANY — Over 7,000 attendees came out on this day beautiful “Indian Summer” day to celebrate and enjoy Parsippany Fall Festival. Attendees crowded around “The Sons of Italy” booth to enjoy delicious homemade sausage and pepper sandwiches, cotton candy, Italian Hot Dogs and more.

Many groups offered games for the children and awarded prizes. Parsippany High School Key Club was placing removal tattoos and offering face painting to the children.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery “Wives” was preparing their famous freshly squeezed lemonade. IHOP was serving their delicious burgers and Kabab Paradise was serving up Gyro’s. The lines at Kona Ice never ended as everyone was enjoying their flavored shaved ice. There was pizza, chicken kabobs, hot dogs, hamburgers, every to satisfy everyone appetite.

Many area banks offered free gifts and handed out brochures enticing visitors to open new accounts. The streets were filled with politicians running for office.

There were plenty of rides for the kiddies and there were karate demonstrations.

Empower Kids to End Bullying During Bullying Prevention Month

Frank L. Cahill
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Empower Kids to End Bullying During Bullying Prevention Month

PARSIPPANY — Bullying takes various forms, from physical abuse to verbal attacks and rumor-spreading, but always, the intention is to inflict harm. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, with a goal of raising awareness about bullying and teaching adults and children how to prevent and stop it.

“It is imperative to create a school culture that embraces people’s differences, addresses underlying issues that lead to bullying, and creates an expectation that the behavior won’t be accepted,” said Mary Vineis, the director of Community Response and Education at NewBridge Services.

In schools, Vineis teaches children ways to handle bullying and deal with conflict, and educators about creating a safe environment. Students learn coping skills and approaches to building self-image so they are less susceptible to other people’s opinions. Children learn to react non-emotionally to hurtful words and to take power away from a student who is bullying by not engaging him. NewBridge also offers programs for parents, to let them know what the latest threats are and how best to cope with them.

One in Five Bullied
About one in five students is bullied, with more incidents occurring in middle schools, surveys have found. All forms of it cause suffering that can leave serious emotional scars. Children who bully also are affected: studies show that children who bully are more likely as adults to have trouble keeping a job and maintaining relationships, and are more prone to addiction, Vineis said. Bullying also has been found to have negative consequences for children who witness an incident but do nothing to stop it.

“Children who are not the actors in a bullying incident, but rather bystanders, must be taught that they can have a powerful role in shutting it down,” Vineis said. A 2012 study found that when bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds in more than half of incidents. “When bystanders say or do nothing, the kid who is doing the bullying may interpret that as them endorsing the behavior,” Vineis said.

Cyberbullying
While most bullying takes place on school grounds and buses, smartphones and apps have expanded its reach. “Too often, children unwittingly become agents of bullying when they share rumors about another student on social media,” Vineis said.

Here are warning signs from StopBullying.gov that indicate a child is being bullied, and others that a child may be doing the bullying:

Being bullied:

    • Unexplainable injuries
    • Lost or destroyed clothing, books, electronics, or jewelry
    • Frequent headaches or stomach aches, feeling sick or faking illness
    • Changes in eating habits, like suddenly skipping meals or binge eating
    • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
    • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
    • Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations
    • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
    • Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide
    • Bullying:
    • Gets into physical or verbal fights
    • Has friends who bully others
    • Shows increasingly aggressiveness
    • Gets sent to the principal’s office or to detention frequently
    • Has unexplained extra money or new belongings
    • Blames others for their problems
    • Doesn’t accept responsibility for their actions
    • Worries about their reputation or popularity

Here’s how children can help themselves:

  • Treat everyone with respect. Stop yourself from saying or doing something that could hurt someone. And if you think you’ve ever bullied someone, say you’re sorry.
  • If you’re being bullied, look at the person who’s doing it and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice. If you can’t, walk away. Talk to a trusted adult, who can help you make a plan to stop the bullying. Staying near adults and other kids can help you avoid bullying situations.
  • Stay safe online. Think about what you post, knowing someone could forward it. Don’t share anything that could hurt or embarrass someone. Don’t share passwords with friends or other classmates (but do share with your parents!) Check your security settings to ensure only the people you want to see your posts see them. If you get a message or see a post that alarms you, talk to a trusted adult.
  • Stand up for other kids. If you see bullying, let an adult know. Reach out to the person who was bullied so they know they are not alone.

For more information about in-school program provided by NewBridge, contact Vineis at (973) 686-2228 or click here.

NewBridge Services, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is a premier provider of counseling services, housing and educational programs in northern New Jersey serving more than 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 55-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.

Two CCM Administrators Receive Technology Leadership Awards

Frank L. Cahill
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Two CCM Administrators Receive Technology Leadership Awards

RANDOLPH — Dr. Shelley Kurland, dean of the Virtual Campus at County College of Morris (CCM), and Rob Stirton, vice president of Institutional Effectiveness and CIO, recently were presented with NJEdge awards for their technological contributions to the higher education community.

Kurland, of Rockaway, was presented with the Distinguished Service Award for Educational Technology in recognition of her “outstanding services and exemplary contributions with the use of educational technology to advance teaching, learning and student success …” At CCM, Kurland is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership for the development of a Virtual Campus to serve diverse populations. She also has written and spoken extensively on instructional design, online learning and digital technology in the classroom.

Stirton was presented with the Enterprise Technology Innovation Award for his “outstanding creativity, innovation and risk-taking in the use of enterprise technology to advance research, institutional effectiveness and students success …” At CCM, Stirton has led the charge to support a data-driven culture at CCM by providing the necessary tools and resources. Included among those resources is the development of a data dashboard to provide college officials with ready access to the information they need for effective decision making. Stirton has expansive experience in the area of institutional research and effectiveness in higher education. Prior to joining CCM last year, he oversaw the design and implementation of strategic data extraction and reporting at Jackson College, the University of Detroit and Schoolcraft College.

“CCM is fortunate to have Dean Shelley Kurland and Vice President Rob Stirton serving as technology leaders not only for the college but the higher education community in general,” said President Anthony J. Iacono. “Through their innovation and creativity, we are able to further ensure the success of students and the effectiveness of our operations. We’re proud to have their contributions recognized by NJEdge.”

he awards were presented to Kurland and Stirton at the NJEdge Member and Partner Appreciation Day held at Montclair State University on October 5. NJEdge is a nonprofit consortium of academic and research institutions that provides access to optimal technology solutions and services, and insight and expertise in information technologies.

Parsippany’s Mattress Firm is among 200 stores closing nationwide

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany’s Mattress Firm is among 200 stores closing nationwide

PARSIPPANY — Mattress Firm plans to close up to 700 stores as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy, including more than 200 within days.

On Friday, October 5, Mattress Firm, Inc. and its subsidiaries filed voluntary Chapter 11 restructuring cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to implement a prepackaged plan of reorganization that, among other things, provides the Company access to new financing to support the business, establishes an efficient and orderly process for closing certain economically inefficient store locations, and provides for all trade creditors to continue being paid in full for goods and services provided.

Part of Mattress Firm’s problem is its huge network of stores. The Houston-based retailer viewed multiple stores in cities as a way to build visibility, and spread out advertising and distribution costs. At the same time, it was snapping up competitors like Sleepy’s, Sleep Train, Back to Bed and Bedding Experts in a bid to build a national brand, and taking over some of those locations.

After a major acquisition spree in recent years, the chain has 3,230 company-owned stores and another 125 franchised locations. It has nearly 10,000 employees.

Here’s the list of more than Mattress Firm locations expected to close within days and be vacated entirely by the end of the month, according to court filings:

  • 745 Route 46, Parsippany 07054
  • 557 Route 130 North, East Windsor 08520
  • 92 Ferry Street, Newark 07105
  • 3231 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Township 08648
  • 80 South Whitehorse Pike, Hammonton 08037
  • 243 US Highway 46 West, Saddle Brook 07663

The Debtors filed their proposed Joint Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization and the Disclosure Statement related thereto, which is subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Under the terms of the Plan, all claims are unimpaired.

Mattress Firm will continue to be the largest specialty mattress retailer in the nation and is committed to offering a large selection of quality, brand name mattresses and bedding products at competitive prices. The Company is continuing to serve customers as usual at stores across the nation and online. Mattress Firm anticipates that deliveries will be made as scheduled, and the Company intends that warranties, guarantees and other customer programs will be honored as usual.

Mattress Firm’s case has been assigned to Judge Christopher S. Sontchi and Case No. 18-12241. The Docket can be accessed by clicking here or through the website maintained by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

PHHS Alison Christian receives Packin Family Student Athlete Scholarship

Frank L. Cahill
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PHHS Alison Christian receives Packin Family Student Athlete Scholarship

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, September 29, Parsippany Hills High School Senior Alison Christian received the “Packin Family Student Athlete Scholarship.”

“I would like to thank the Hall of Fame committee for establishing the pack and family, student athletes, scholarship and especially Sue Bonnette who worked so hard and putting this together. I’m pleased to be able to present our family scholarship to this year’s recipient. My father, as the first principle of PHHS, was so very proud of this high school after my mother and our family PHHS and its students were truly the love of his life. He spent many hours here because he loved working with the staff and always felt that he had the best educators for his students. He was a high profile principal, spending time here, not only in support of the athletic, music and theater programs, but any event that was going on at the school,” said Marc Packin.

He continued “The reason I know he would be honored to have a student athlete scholarship in his name is that he was indeed an outstanding student and athlete. My father was his senior class president at Irvington high school. At 175 pounds  he was chosen by the Newark Star Ledger as a first team all state football.”

“My dad received an athletic scholarship to Rutgers College where he graduated with a double major in Physical Education and history. He later continued on earning a master’s degree in Education. He started his life long career in education at Wayne High School, rising to the position of Vice Principal by the age of 26, was then offered the job of becoming the principal at Central Middle School. Three years later, becoming the principal Parsippany High School. The town of Parsippany was growing at a very rapid rate at that time, so if it became clear a second high school was needed. My father was asked to work closely with the architects and planners of the new school. He was hired to be the first principal serving in that position for 19 years. By the way, I understand Parsippany Hills High School will be celebrating their 50-year anniversary next year,” said Mr. Packin.

Alison Christian and Marc Packin. Alison received a “Special Recognition Certificate” as well as a $1,000 Packin Family Student Athlete Scholarship

So we’re here today to honor one student that exemplifies the qualities of my father. On behalf of my family, I am very proud to present the 2018 Packin Family Student Athlete Scholarship of $1,000 to Alison Christian.

Multiple arrests for Drugs in Wawa Parking Lot

Frank L. Cahill
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Multiple arrests for Drugs in Wawa Parking Lot

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Patrol Officer Ryan Taylor was patrolling the area of Wawa, 350 New Road, on Sunday, September 30 at 7:39 p.m., when he made contact with Matthew Banta, 46, West Milford, and another male standing outside of a 2001 Pontiac Firebird.

Upon arrival of Patrol Officer J. Garza and D. Sisco, they made contact with Jessica Doty, 29, West Milford, who was sitting inside the vehicle.

During the course of their investigation, it was discovered that Mr. Banta and Mrs. Doty both gave false personal information to officers.

They also found Ms. Doty had four active warrants for her arrest and Mr. Banta had two active warrants for his arrest. Mr. Banta and Ms. Doty were both placed under arrest.

Upon further investigation Ms. Doty was also found to be in possession of 62 wax folds containing suspected Heroin, nine vials of suspected cocaine, and multiple pieces of drug paraphernalia.

They were both transported to police headquarters for processing. While there Mr. Banta was charged with one count of 4th Degree Hinder Apprehension and Being under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription, a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Mrs. Doty was charged with one count of Third Degree Possession of CDS (Heroin); one count of Third Degree Possession of CDS (Cocaine); one count of Fourth Degree Hindering Apprehension; Being under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription, a Disorderly Persons Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, a Disorderly Persons Offense; and
Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, a Disorderly Persons Offense

Both individuals were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility 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.

Package Stolen in Colonial Heights

Frank L. Cahill
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Package Stolen in Colonial Heights

PARSIPPANY — A Colonial Heights, 300 Parsippany Road, resident responded to police headquarters to report a stolen package.

The victim advised Patrol Officer K. Hawthorne that a package that was marked delivered on Friday, September 28 was not present outside of her residence when she looked for it. The victim stated the package contained $150.00 worth of clothing.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

DeCroce calls for FBI to work with State Police to improve security at state buildings

Frank L. Cahill
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DeCroce calls for FBI to work with State Police to improve security at state buildings

PARSIPPANY — A measure to bolster security at the Statehouse complex and other state buildings was introduced by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce. The resolution (AR189) calls for the FBI and Department of Homeland Security to evaluate procedures at state facilities and recommend public safety improvements to the state police.

Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce

“What we never want to happen is for an incident to occur and someone – a legislator, a visitor, or a staffer – to say we didn’t do enough to protect them,” said DeCroce (R-Morris).

State facilities are open to the public and are vulnerable to various threats including terrorist attacks and active shooters. Federal agencies have worked with Connecticut and other states to assess and strengthen state capital security.

The assessments will not cost the state any money.

“With new risks evolving every day, it makes sense to utilize federal resources to reduce risks and protect lives,” DeCroce said. “We can benefit from the leading edge tactics used to secure our nation’s most susceptible soft targets.”

A caseworker with the N.J. Division of Child Protection brought a weapon to the office in Paramus and took her own life. Another DCPP caseworker in 2014 was stabbed repeatedly by a client in the division’s Camden office.

“Political and terrorist attacks, mass shootings, and violence toward law enforcement and elected officials are very real risks that also endanger the general public,” said DeCroce. “Combining the knowledge and expertise of the State Police and the FBI is the best way to keep our buildings safe.”

While violent crime has significantly declined over the last number of years, violent political incidents seem to be increasing.

Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) was shot by a rifle-wielding gunman in Alexandria Va. in June 2017, and a would-be assassin killed six people and gravely wounded Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) in 2011.

“We have seen a significant spike in the number of violent protests and political discord dividing our nation. The volatile environment demands better security to protect lives in state buildings,” DeCroce concluded.

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