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.
Fireman Darryl Jenkins honored for 50 years of service
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented Darryl Lee Jenkins with a certificate of recognition for 50 years of service at the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire District 3. Jenkins joined the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department on August 17, 1967.
He has provided fifty years of faithful and honorable service as a member of District 3 and has taken his sense of service to his community to an even higher level by serving in all officer positions including Chief from 1972 to 1974 and from 1983 to 1985, and as Commissioner from 2003 to present. He has continually demonstrated bravery, professionalism and commitment to our community.
Darryl Jenkins and his wife Carol live in Lake Parsippany.
He is the father of Darryl, Jr. and Scott, proud grandfather of Christopher, Ryan and Emily, has earned the respect of his family, friends and colleagues
The certificate of recognition read:
Whereas, Darryl Lee Jenkins, a dedicated and skilled firefighter, joined the Lake Parsippany Fire Company District #3 on August 17, 1967; and
Whereas, Darryl Jenkins has provided fifty years of faithful and honorable service as a member of District 3 and has taken his sense of service to his community to an even higher level by serving in all officer positions including Chief from 1972 to 1974 and from 1983 to 1985, and as Commissioner from 2003 to present. He has continually demonstrated bravery, professionalism and commitment to the community; and
Whereas, Darryl Jenkins served as delegate to the 106th, 129th, 131st, 132nd and 134th annual conventions of the State Fireman’s Association. He is currently the Chainnan of the Fireman’s Relief Association; and
Whereas, Darryl Jenkins exemplifies all the attributes of a selfless human being, foregoing his own wants, needs and desires in order to serve residents and businesses of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills for the past 50 years; and
Whereas, the recipient of the Outstanding Civic Contributor and President’s Awards, Darryl Jenkins has demonstrated his further responsibility and service to the community as a volunteer with tl1e Boy Scouts of America and Little League baseball; and
Whereas, , Darryl Jenkins, the proud husband of Carol, father of Darryl, Jr. & Scott, proud grandfather of Christopher, Ryan and Emily, has earned the respect of his family, friends and colleagues.
Now, Therefore, I, James R. Barberio, Mayor of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, do hereby acknowledge the important contributions made by Darryl Lee Jenkins and express sincere appreciation and gratitude for 50 years of loyal service as a firefighter in the Lake Parsippany Fire Company District #3.
Dated this nineteenth day of December, 2017
Van Dessel moves to new space with Kent International
PARSIPPANY — After a strong year that saw a big increase in dealers and sales, Van Dessel is moving operations into a new space inside Kent International’s 60,000-square-foot warehouse in Parsippany.
Kent has been assisting Van Dessel in its growth, said Robert Vander Veur, Van Dessel’s vice president of sales and development. He said Van Dessel now has about 78 dealers — twice its count last year. Sales were up nearly 40 percent this year.
“Kent has been very important in supporting and backing our efforts, not just so we can produce new models, but to provide better service to our growing IBD base,” Vander Veur said. “We’ve increased our outside sales force with eight new reps. Hardly a sales army like larger brands, but we can begin providing our dealers with the attention they deserve,” he added.
Van Dessel has moved its inventory and assembly team to Parsippany, and the company added a few more assemblers. Every bike Van Dessel sends to dealers is assembled to order in-house.
“Part of the feedback from dealers we are getting is that they really appreciate the no-pressure approach we take. Shops can just order one bike, a frame and build kit or just a frame — we don’t care. And our a la carte build program gives them a unique bike that cannot be cost shopped,” Vander Veur said.
Vander Veur noted that as many larger suppliers have phased out their steel offerings, Van Dessel’s steel sales have increased. Its chromoly Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and WTF 853LTD are top sellers.
Vander Veur said shops appreciate the custom component sizing options and the ability to access a wide variety of build components for a new custom bike from one place.
The company recently added Dirt City Cycle Supply in Edmonton, Alberta, to distribute to Canadian retailers, and it now has a Philippines distributor, My Next Bike in Makati, Philippines. The company is going to display at the CABDA show in February.
“It’s great having Van Dessel in-house,” Kent International president Scott Kamler said. “We’re happy to offer any assistance we can, fulfillment, warehousing, art needs — we’re here to support their growth and keep the brand moving forward.”
Van Dessel’s new address is 60 East Halsey Road. Telephone is (973) 543-2599.
Parsippany Elks donates new nozzles to Fire District 6
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Elks Lodge #
These are a new light weight compact nozzles. With the capability to change gallons per minute on the nozzle in seconds. These new nozzles helps the local firemen more efficient in fighting fires.
The District 6 Fire Department is Extremely excited for these new firefighting tools.
The new nozzles were purchased using the Elks Anniversary Grant. This grant is a one-time opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Elks through service. This $1,500 grant offers an opportunity for Lodges to do even more charitable work.
Letter to the editor: Disrespecting the flag and our National Anthem
Dear Editor:
This letter expresses the feelings of most who are proud to be called Americans. I, Jay Pearson of Orangeburg, hope retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeffery Powers’ letter sends a clear message to the commissioner of the NFL. I made a call to Col. Powers. He’s for real in Vista, California, and did write the wonderful letter that follows:
I’ve been a season pass holder at Yankee Stadium, Yale Bowl and Giants Stadium. I missed the ’90-91 season because I was with a battalion of Marines in Desert Storm. 14 of my wonderful Marines returned home with the American Flag draped across their lifeless bodies. My last conversation with one of them, Sgt. Garrett Mongrella, was about how our Giants were going to the Super Bowl. He never got to see it.
Many friends, Marines, and Special Forces Soldiers who worked with or for me through the years returned home with the American Flag draped over their coffins.
I observed a player getting a personal foul for twerking in the end zone after scoring. I guess that’s much worse than disrespecting the flag and our National Anthem. Hmmmmm, isn’t it his 1st Amendment right to express himself like an idiot in the end zone?
Why is taunting not allowed yet taunting America is OK? You fine players for wearing 9-11 commemorative shoes yet you allow scum on the sidelines to sit, kneel or pump their pathetic fist in the air. They are so deprived with their multi-million dollar contracts for playing a freaking game! You condone it all by your refusal to act. You’re just as bad and disgusting as they are. I hope Americans boycott any sponsor who supports that rabble you call the NFL. I hope they turn off the TV when any team that allowed this disrespect to occur, without consequence, on the sidelines. I applaud those who have not.
Legends and heroes do NOT wear shoulder pads. They wear body armor and carry rifles.
They make minimum wage and spend months and years away from their families. They don’t do it for an hour on Sunday. They do it 24/7 often with lead, not footballs, coming in their direction. They watch their brothers carted off in pieces not on a gurney to get their knee iced. They don’t even have ice! Many don’t have legs or arms.
Some wear blue and risk their lives daily on the streets of America. They wear fire helmets and go upstairs into the fire rather than down to safety. On 9-11, hundreds vanished. They are the heroes.
I hope that your high paid protesting pretty boys and you look in that mirror when you shave tomorrow and see what you really are, legends in your own minds. You need to hit the road and take those worms with you! Time to change the channel.
Jay Pearson
Orangeburg
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury honored by Morris CARES
MORRIS COUNTY — On December 18, 2017, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp was joined by Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brad Seabury, at an award ceremony for ‘Morris CARES’. ‘Morris CARES’ is a non-profit, recovery oriented sanctuary, based in Rockaway,mthat works to change the lives of those suffering from an opioid or heroin addiction. They focus on utilizing peer support throughout the community as a tool to help those in need from Morris County. Numerous community partners and Law Enforcement personnel attended the event at the ‘CARES’ offices.
Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury were recognized, along with Sheriff James M. Gannon, for their ongoing efforts in further educating our community about the opioid and heroin epidemic. Their partnership with ‘Morris CARES’, which stands for, Center for Addiction Recovery Education & Success, has helped dissolve the stigma around drug addiction in the Morris County community.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has coordinated with the Board of Freeholders, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, as well as local police departments and school districts to raise awareness about opioids and heroin. Informational meetings held at various high schools and other local venues have allowed parents to get a wealth of information from professionals, who deal with it first-hand. Sheriff Gannon was also recognized for his work to fight addiction and attendant stigma in Morris County. The Sheriff received his award for fighting addiction through the production of Hope One, a mobile access recovery system and the Hope Wing in the Morris County Correctional Facility for addicted inmates.
Prosecutor Knapp and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Seabury’s efforts in coordination with ‘Morris CARES’, have sought to benefit the entire community through education and a better understanding of the opioid and heroin epidemic. As members of the Morris County community continue to learn more about how to properly help those suffering from addiction, they will play a larger role in stemming the tide of heroin and opioid related casualties and crimes. With a better education across the board, parents, teachers, and local leaders will ultimately have more power.
Township Clerk presents outgoing Councilmen with a plaque
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Khaled Madin presented a “Certificate of Appreciation” to outgoing Council President Louis Valori and Council Vice President Robert Peluso, at the regular council meeting held on Tuesday, December 19.
The certificate stated “In appreciation for your service and dedication to the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and its Residents.”
Council President Louis Valori served on the council from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. Valori sought re-election but lost in the general election. Valori was appointed to serve as Council President for one term, starting in January 2016.
Council Vice President Robert Peluso, who also served on the council from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. He also served as Vice President for two terms. He didn’t seek re-election to the Council, instead he challenged Mayor Barberio to become Mayor, and lost in the primary election.