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Parsippany appoints “Acting Township Clerk”
PARSIPPANY — The appointment of Parsippany resident Khaled Madin as Acting Township Clerk passed by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Michael dePierro casting the lone vote against Madin.
Councilman Michael dePierro voted no, saying he was not part of the process of selecting a clerk to replace Yancy Wazirmas, who left the position in the fall. Business administrator Ellen Sandman has covered the clerk’s duties in the interim. Paul Carifi, Jr., the previous Council President formed a search committee and Vice President Robert Peluso and Louis Valori were appointed to the search committee.
“We did have a number of certified township clerks that applied, we had one local applicant that applied, one applicant that was a former deputy clerk in town, so we had fully certified people that were willing to take this job,” dePierro said. “And yet we hired someone who had no certifications and no experience as municipal clerk. I’m opposed to that.”
Councilman Paul Carfi stated “I would like to congratulate Mr. Madin. I am sure he will do a great job as our town clerk and I look forward to working with him.”
Khaled, who is currently employed at the Office of the Attorney General, Division of Consumer Affairs, will take the reins effective Monday, January 25. He has been with the Attorney Generals Office since September 2012. Prior to that he was an associate attorney at the Law Office of Peter C. Ioannou.
He is a 2005 graduate of William Paterson College, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a 2012 Graduate of Western Michigan Cooley Law School with a Juris Doctor, Cum Laude.
He is admitted to the bar in three states: New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Council Vice President Robert Peluso pointed out, “Khaled has a strong customer service background, has managed four boards with over 39,500 licenses and has managed a staff of ten people.”
“After an exhaustive search we identified an ideal candidate for the Municipal Clerk position. Mr. Madin has diverse experience from his previous employment as Executive Director with the Division of Consumer Affairs, as a licensed attorney in three states, and a front office manager working directly with the public. His skills and education are important, but equally important is his exceptional customer service skills that are sometimes ignored in the public sector. Mr. Madin, a graduate from Parsippany School District and resident understanding our diverse community. I am confident that Mr. Madin will provide responsive leadership for our entire community,” said Mr. Peluso.
Khaled said “I believe my legal background, management skills and administrative experience, particularly my familiarity with working with the public, fit well with the job requirements. I have extensive experience in many of Municipal Clerk duties, including but not limited to all aspects of licensure and permits for four State of New Jersey Boards, handling Open Public Records Act (OPRA) and Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) requests, issuing public notification of all official activities and meetings, preparing minutes and agendas, maintaining and updating records and responding to requests for information from the public and other legislative offices.”
Madin will replace Business Administrator Ellen Sandman who has been acting clerk since September 2015 when Township Clerk Yancy Wazirmas resigned.
The Township Clerk serves as Secretary to the Township Council, Custodian of Government Records, Election Official and Registrar of Vital Statistics.
Mayor James Barberio failed to respond for comments for this story.
Parsippany High School announces 2016 Hall of Fame class
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School Hall of Fame recognizes and honors PHS graduates and staff members who have distinguished themselves either during their time at PHS or during their careers in their fields of work or service. The committee evaluates each nominee on three criteria: recognized excellence in one’s field/profession; service and dedication to PHS; contributions to professional/civic organizations and/or publications, presentations, and recognition. The following inductees will be inducted at a ceremony on Thursday, February 4 at 5:00 p.m. in the PHS Media Center and will be announced before the boy’s basketball game at 7:00 p.m.
The 1999 PHS Redskins Basketball Team went 20-7 and is considered the best basketball team to ever represent PHS. Under the leadership of Head Coach Joe Flanagan, they were North Jersey Section 2 Group 3 Champions, Group 3 Champions, Overall Group 3 Champions and advanced to the Tournament of Champions as one of the final six teams left in the state (that’s a lot of hardware). Along the way, the electrified the town of Parsippany and motivated raucous PHS fans to drive all over the state in support of their Redskins who finished the year ranked #19 in the state. During the 1997-98 season they became the only PHS hoops team to win the Morris County Tournament, defeating #1 seed Delbarton and future NBA star Troy Murphy in the process. Roster: Clarence Curry, Joe Dellafave, Mike Fleig, Justin Gerardo, Brian Greenspan, Damion Kolb, Adam Kreczewzki, Michael Parlato, Jeremy Phillips, Jason Roberts, Anthony Smith, Andrew Soto, Mohammed Wallizeheh, Rashawn Ward, Andrew Moses (Team Manager), Melody Lieberman & Stephanie Antonucci Stohrer (Statisticians). Coaches: Joe Flanagan-Head Coach; Mark Gnapp –Assistant Coach; Rob Reiber- Assistant Coach.
Clarence Curry III graduated from PHS in 2000. As a Redskin, he participated in football, basketball and track in addition to Student Council and Choir. After a banner high school athletic career in which he accumulated several school records, All-Area Awards, and led his teams to County and State championships, Clarence moved on to Villanova University where he was a starter at cornerback for four seasons leading the team to the #1 ranked scoring defense in the nation and an appearance in the I-AA National Championship game. Following college, he was signed to the NFL by the Arizona Cardinals and spent a few seasons with the organization. Clarence then continued his career in the Arena Football League. Currently, Clarence owns and operates Teamwork Sports Academy, LLC and provides training and mentoring for young athletes.
As an English Teacher, Coach and Advisor, Ann Greiner devoted over 30 wonderful years to PHS. She impressed her colleagues and peers with her impeccable teaching skills and her dedication to students. She was a skilled educator with great insight into both literature and how students learn. Similarly, she worked incredibly well with her colleagues, sharing ideas and working together to improve instruction. Outside of the classroom, Ann possessed a tremendous love of PHS and was involved in myriad activities, all designed to make the school a better place for students. At various times during her career she was an advisor or coach of: Pep Club, Cheerleading, Totem, Varsity Club, Student Council, Steering Committees, etc… Ann rarely missed dances, trips or sporting events; she had such pride in the school and genuine affinity for her students. Everyone loved that Ms. Greiner always wore red and gray on every Friday.
Dr. John Molinaire graduated from PHS in 1980. During his time as a Redskin he was a standout student-athlete, earning multiple varsity letters in wrestling and football, including a role in the undefeated 1977 football season. John then moved on to Southampton College and majored in Marine Science/Biology before earning his medical degree from Temple University. He then opened a private dental practice, which he has operated for the past twenty-seven years. In addition to professional success, John has served on multiple charitable boards including the Whippany Rotary, Parsippany Police Athletic League, and the American Academy of Dentistry for Children. Most impressively, John took part in the Healing the Children Dental Mission to Madagascar in 2007 and 2009, treating over 1,500 children in the process.
Nancy Russo Petryna (1980) was a standout student-athlete during her time at PHS. She earned nine varsity letters in both Gymnastics and Track & Field, but truly excelled as a sprinter. Competing in the long jump, 100, 200, 400 and 4×400, Nancy placed in every race she entered and graduated high school holding records in each event. Her 4×400 team consisting of her and classmates Sue Cammon, Cathy Plath and Lisa Pesci went undefeated in dual meets for four years, advanced to the Meet of Champions in 1980, and 36 years later, still hold the school record with a time of 49.2. Following high school, Nancy moved on to Bucknell where she continued to run and was named Outstanding Athlete upon her graduation in 1984. Following college, Nancy earned her Masters in Educational Psychology from Montclair State and her Doctor of School Psychology from Fordham. She is currently a school psychologist and the head coach of the track and field team at Livingston High School.
Local Parsippany resident publishes first novel
PARSIPPANY — A longtime resident, Richard Zawisha, has published his first novel, titled “Twisted.” The novel is based on a middle aged couple, “The Stiltons” who encountered a tragic event in a small hamlet in West Point, New York.
A manuscript has been published by FriesenPress detailing what had occurred to that couple. It could not be determined as to whether the manuscript was a fictional novel or a their account of what happened to the Stiltons. The author used a pseudonym of Linda Rich and made one condition for publishing.
This is a summation from the back cover of Rich Zawisha’s first novel TWISTED by Linda Rich: Rich is a Parsippany resident of 20 years. After retiring in 2012, he took up a life long ambition of writing his first novel much to the glee of his wife Linda who threatened to kill him if he planned to laze around for the next 25 years.
TWISTED was probably written by a person who worked in law enforcement who documented the grizzly facts that occurred to this couple. The author requested that the story be told with only one condition.
Fans of Ann Rule, Gillian Flynn, Janet Evanovich and Sandra Brown will enjoy reading this book while trying to discover the ultimate twist to the story. The book combines an accounting of real murders and the mistakes made, humor, erotica and political statements. It fosters a unique style of writing never encountered before.
The book can be purchased online through FriesenPress via their bookstore, by clicking here.
Rich will be donating part of the proceeds from this novel to local non-profit groups.
Police seeking armed robbers who robbed Gulf Station
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Department was contacted by the victim of a robbery at 859 Route 46, the Gulf Gas Station at 12:54 a.m. on Thursday, January 21.
Multiple Parsippany Police Officers responded to the scene and secured the area. Preliminary reports indicate that the victim, a 37-year-old male, who is employed by the Gulf Gas Station was approached by two males, one Asian and one possibly black or Hispanic, who were asking for directions.
As the victim began to give them directions the Asian suspect produced a handgun, at which time the victim began to struggle with the Asian suspect over the handgun. The Asian suspect was able to free himself from the victim’s grasp and struck him in the head with the butt of the gun causing a laceration.
The second male suspect removed a small lock box with cash in it from the outside attendant booth. Both suspects fled the area towards Red Roof Inn. The black or Hispanic male was described as being 5’8 tall, wearing black clothing and a ski mask.
The Asian male was described as being slightly shorter than the black male, wearing all black clothing and a ski mask. A perimeter was established and Morris County Sheriff’s Department K-9 responded to the scene to assist in tracking the suspects. After a brief search the two subjects were not located. Morris County Sheriff’s Department CID responded to the scene and processed the area. Morris County Prosecutors Office Major Crimes Unit was also advised of the incident.
The victim was transported by Rockaway Neck First Aid Squad to Saint Clares Hospital in Denville for treatment. This incident is under investigation by the Investigative Division of the Parsippany Police Department.
If you have any information about this incident, please contact Detective Sergeant T. Lesiak at (973) 263-4396.
Zufall Health Van Brings Low-Cost Primary Medical Care to Parsippany Area Residents at NewBridge Services
PARSIPPANY — Residents of Parsippany and surrounding communities can receive low-cost, high-quality medical care from Zufall Health the first and third Tuesdays of each month at NewBridge Services in the Troy Office Centre on Route 46.
NewBridge, a nonprofit provider of counseling services, housing and educational programs, has partnered with Zufall Health, a fully licensed, Federally Qualified Health Center to bring Zufall’s Highlands Health Van to Parsippany.
“We are proud to partner with Zufall to make primary medical care and counseling services convenient and affordable in the community,” NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said.
“There’s great mutual respect between Zufall and NewBridge,’’ Zufall President and CEO Eva Turbiner said. “We believe that integrating primary medical and behavioral health brings benefits for all,” she said. “This patient-centered, collaborative approach is designed to improve health outcomes.”
The 37-foot van, staffed by an advanced practice nurse and other medical professionals, has two exam rooms and an intake/waiting area. Zufall performs checkups, treats illnesses and injury, does preventive care, offers health education and counseling, and makes referrals to specialists.
Medicaid, Medicare, Family Care, and private insurances are accepted, and patients without insurance pay on a sliding scale based on income. Appointments are available between 12:00 Noon and 5:00 p.m. and walk-ins are welcome.
“I don’t have a regular physician, but I wanted to get a physical,” said Daniel Buckley, a NewBridge client who had an appointment at the van last month. “Everyone here is so nice, and I got what I needed,’’ Buckley said.
NewBridge opened its large, centralized Parsippany center in August to better serve Morris County residents. Located near the crossroads of routes 80 and 287, the 15,320-square-foot space has 20 counseling rooms and spacious group therapy rooms, as well as a drop-in center for clients. It’s also the new home of NewBridge Jobs Plus, a free program that has helped more than 3,000 young adults earn their high school diplomas and prepare for careers.
The NewBridge center has the capacity to serve residents quickly, so they don’t have to endure long waiting lists to get the care they need, Parker said.
Zufall has been providing high-quality, affordable, compassionate medical and dental care to patients at locations in Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, Warren, Somerset, and Essex counties for more than 25 years.
Residents can schedule an appointment for the Zufall van by visiting NewBridge’s Parsippany center at 1259 Route 46, Building 2, or by calling (973) 316-9333. The program is supported by a grant from Johnson & Johnson corporation.
Letter to the editor: Action Alert we can save Waterview Landscape as promised
Dear Editor:
As a community we are not meeting our fundamental human needs; thereby incurring unnecessary impacts and costs upon ourselves and diminishing our quality of life. RD an outside force to the community has somehow succeeded in changing our Master Plan to suit their interest. This should never have occurred and it smells of illegality. No force outside the community should be allowed such power within it. No need exist to create a specific retail and commercial zone on the on a landscape zoned as a planned office district easement. The present POD; planned office district is in the best interest of the community, and stands as a well-balanced distribution of remaining environmental sensitivity and biodiversity in the Troy Brook Watershed.
This physical feature brings aesthetic beauty and enhancement to the immediate neighborhood and the surrounding region.
The developer is guilty of using the public housing obligation as a threat to wear down this community through lawsuits and constantly changing his proposals. The public housing was a kick down the door final bully tactic used to cause an unjust compromise of fear, encouraged by the developers allies within the township circles.
Citizens and residents are aware that we have a right to appeal this decision based on a false premise of a housing threat and the fact that no real evidence has been shown to justify need of this rezoning/spot zoning other than an economic downtrend being experienced by all, everywhere. How can this justify changing our Master Plan in closed session without public participation or input, a total lack of transparency and evidence, to show need or change in the immediate neighborhood to justify this likely illegality.
The truth is the developer RD has Pearl Harbored Parsippany during the holiday season 2015. On December 15, 2015 passing ordinance 2015-26, which is clearly in the best interest of the developer, including $3.5 million dollars of our open space tax money to be used as what amounts to a buffer zone, called open space; all of this in the name of fighting public housing obligations. Be aware that if and when the developer succeeds in this endeavor the waterview landscape will be more likely to be lost to public housing; when the unneeded retail commercial zone; including some housing; fails. The next rezone would likely be public housing. In truth we are making it easier for the slippery slope to continue in the degrading of our community’s quality of life.
Politicians whom do not represent their communities interest first are not community leaders, but politicians; politicians which have no place other than their self-promoting against their entrusted residents. In others words not ours, Parsippany’s, but their’s RD’s representatives.
In October 2013 Open space was promised, it has not been forthcoming. We had a planned office district that protected the community from over development or development not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. In short summary the present POD zone is in the best interest of the community the immediate neighborhood and the surrounding area. Neither the Planning Board nor the developer produced any sustainable evidence to show any need to rezone the property, other than an economic situation shared by all in the society. This cannot be allowed as an excuse to change our master plan, and change forever the character of the effected immediate neighborhood. No need exists for new land development for the purpose of retail and commercial
2015-26 Rezoning Ordinance, POD to RC must not be allowed to stand. Please become part of the new Hydra Head of Community resistance. Many reasons exist to defend this valuable natural resource we know as waterview. Join the Fundraiser answer the call of community; against private interest and do it ASAP before January 25th. Our Master Plan is ours respect the concept of the time value of money not the short-term leading us nowhere and with loss of a sense of home and place.
Nick Homyak
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
Environmental Advisory Committee seeks more volunteers
PARSIPPANY — The Environmental Advisory Committee of Parsippany is seeking to fill several openings. This is a volunteer committee that meets once a month and is composed of nine members. The EAC discusses current issues that affect the township’s environmental quality.
Previous projects they have been involved in include Troy Brook studies, initiating the low phosphate fertilizer ordinance, initiating the well-head protection ordinance, designating the township as a “Cool Cities” energy efficient partner, Watnong Gardens, Hurricane Irene study and the current Waterview Property development project.
One of their goals for 2016 will be to increase their community outreach through educational programming. Their current role is to work with and advise the Township Council and the mayor regarding any environmental based topics.
Anyone applying should have a strong interest in the environmental quality of Parsippany, be available for monthly meetings and have some background (formal or informal) in environmental science.
If interested, click here, scroll down the right hand side to “Application to serve on a Board.” Print out the application, fill it out and mail it to Township Clerk, Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, 1001 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
In addition, email lmrosey@aol.com stating that an application has been sent.
This is an open committee in which any current Parsippany resident can serve. They welcome anyone who is interested in working towards a better tomorrow for the town and its residents. Feel free to send any questions or inquires to the lmrosey@aol.com.
Michele Picone appointed Director Department of Human Services
PARSIPPANY — Michele Picone was officially appointed to the Director, Department of Human Services at a recent Township Council Meeting.
Picone, was acting Director, since January 2015, when long-time Director Barbara Ievoli retired.
Barbara joined Michele and her family at the swearing in the Council Chambers.
The Council voted 5-0 on the appointment.
The Human Services Department plans and administers a comprehensive public health program, including environmental sanitation, communicable disease control, health education, laboratory services and other authorized services, in addition to administering and enforcing local health ordinances.
The New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO) is a private, nonprofit organization of municipal and county public health leaders and allied health professionals who work together to protect and improve the health of the people of New Jersey. This organization provides invaluable information regarding Public Health and Emergency Preparedness.
Watch their videos on their Public Health TV Channel. There are videos on all types of Public Health information, such as Childhood Obesity, Nutrition, Addictions, Prostate Cancer, Allergies, Alzheimer’s Disease, Melanoma, and much more.
Office of Health – The mission of the Division of Health is to improve the health and quality of life of the residents of Parsippany Troy-Hills through the use of health promotion strategies, health protection strategies, preventative services and community health surveillance.
Office of Social Services – The Office of Social Services provides supportive and social services to residents in need, with the exception of services provided through the Work First New Jersey/General Assistance Program.
Office on Aging & the Physically Handicapped – The Office on Aging and the Physically Handicapped provides support services which enable senior citizens and the physically handicapped to remain independent in their own environment, provide a comprehensive system of services for the elderly and the physically handicapped; and provide programs designed to promote the awareness of resources and services available to benefit the elderly and the physically handicapped. They are committed to helping residents remain actively involved in all phases of community life.
The Morris County Nutrition Project located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road in Lake Hiawatha provides a mid-day meal and the opportunity to socialize with others. Home delivered meals are available for the homebound. Monthly menus are available at the Parsippany Community Center. For reservations please call Joanne Shanley, Site Manager at (973) 884-1868 one day in advance. Call (973) 285-6856 for home delivery.
Food Pantry: The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at the Parsippany Community Center at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha and is open Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm. Donations of non- perishable food items are always needed. Any resident in need of supplemental food are invited to call ahead (973) 263-7163 or (973) 263-7351/52. Ready-made bags of basic food staples such as canned goods, cereal and dried food, are available through donations from individuals, schools, scouts and churches.
Medical Transportation: Transportation services are available for senior residents of Parsippany who have no other means of transportation or family members to service them. Medical appointments receive top priority. Please call at least one week in advance to (973) 263-7351 or 7352. Persons must be ambulatory. Wheelchair patients may call the Health Department at (973) 263-7160. An aide or family member must accompany patient in a wheelchair.
Tax Assistance for Parsippany Seniors: Free tax assistance is available to all Parsippany Senior Citizens and low income or disabled persons by experienced and trained AARP-IRS Tax Aides every Tuesday during February through April. Please call (973) 263-7351 or 7352 for an appointment.
Emergency Medical Services: The duties of this office are to provide emergency medical services from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.