PHS Marching Band champions honored with motorcade
The Secret Opera Presents A Christmas Carol in Victorian Mount Tabor
PARSIPPANY — The Secret Opera will present a fresh take on one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, at the Tabernacle in Mount Tabor, December 12, 7:00 p.m. sponsored by the Mount Tabor Historical Society.Tickets are available by clicking here or at the door. Adults $20.00; Seniors, Children 12 and under $15.00.
This family-friendly holiday favorite comes to life in an all-new interdisciplinary work, utilizing classic text, period vocal music, and improvised string ensemble, adding a modern twist that makes each individual performance unique. It is appropriate that A Christmas Carol will be presented in a structurally magnificent wooden auditorium built in 1885, located in Mount Tabor, a camp meeting community that originated in the late Victorian era.
Charles Dickens is credited with the great revival of Christmas traditions, which have continued in one form or another up to the present day. This work is not only an uplifting moral tale, but also one of great historical importance due to the author’s witty and detailed description of a Victorian Christmas. Adapted and created by Marcus Crawford Guy, this timeless tale is narrated and directed by Annie Rutherford Lutz and accompanied by a quartet of some of NYC’s finest young classical singers and a trio of dynamic young instrumentalists.
Audience members of all ages will feel the magic and mystery of Dickens’ beloved story in an intimate holiday setting.
Man Shoots Self in Face at Ramada Inn
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department received two 911 calls at approximately 10:15 on Thursday, November 26 on a shooting at Ramada Inn, 959 Route 46.
When officers arrived they spoke with the victim, who was not identified by police, who said he was cleaning his firearm and accidentally shot himself in the face, according to Patrolman Brian Conover.
Officers gave medical aid to the victim and he was subsequently transported to Morristown Medical Center by the Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Paramedics from St. Clares Health Care Systems. Moments after the ambulance left the property, Parsippany Police joined up with the ambulances.
No charges have been filed but the investigation is ongoing, Conover said. The victim is in critical condition as of Friday afternoon.
When additional details become available we will update this article.
Parsippany PBA holds “Wing Eating Contest” to raise funds for Emma
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police PBA Local 131 sponsored a fundraiser for Emma, at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Buffalo Wild Wings donated 15 percent of the total bill (not including tax, gratuity, alcohol sales or promotional discounts) to the organization for Emma.
The contest featured teams of six contestants, each had to finish a dozen mild sauce Buffalo wings in a relay-style race. The teams competing were Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Car 65, and the Parsippany Volunteer Fire District Six. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department came in first place.
The officers who took home the “Wing-Eating Trophy” were Patrolman Gregory Bloete, Patrolman Matthew McAuliffe, Patrolman Zachary Koch, Patrolman Jesse Hughes and Patrolman Elvin Giordano.
It was estimated about $600 was raised off of $3,000 in sales from individuals who paid using a special fundraising coupon. The Lakeland Hills YMCA donated a one-year family membership valued at $975, which was is expected to add an additional money to the amount funds raised through a silent auction.
“Emma Marie Wyman is a happy, beautiful (one-year-old) baby girl undergoing at least one year’s worth of treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a rare type of sarcoma. Her parents, AJ & Lindsey (Kmit) Wyman, who are lifelong residents of Parsippany, learned of Emma’s tumor in late May and have taken her to Philadelphia to be treated by internationally-recognized pediatric oncologists. As they await more in-depth results regarding the type of sarcoma Emma has and begin chemotherapy, AJ has begun to take time off from his job as a corrections officer, while Lindsey is on her unpaid summer break from teaching sixth grade social studies at Brooklawn Middle School. During this life-altering time, AJ and Lindsey will incur costs from medical to travel expenses, while keeping up with their regular monthly bills for their cars, home, etc.
Please know that even the smallest donation will go a long way to aid baby Emma and her loving parents during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for your love, support, and above all, your prayers.”
You can donate directly through GoFundMe, by clicking here.
Moms Club and Valley National bank donates food to Parsippany Food Pantry
PARSIPPANY — Moms Club of Parsippany East Area along with Valley National Bank, 800 Route 46 and 320 New Road held a Food Drive. The moms and the kids collected all of the food. In addition customers and employees from both branches of the bank donated to the food drive.
Parsippany Food Pantry collects over 20,000 pounds food per year. They supply between 30 and 40 Parsippany residents a week, with a bag of assorted food items.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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 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.
Parsippany Teachers Donate to Parsippany Food Pantry
PARSIPPANY — More Parsippany residents will be able to enjoy the Thanksgiving bounty this season thanks to the collective donations of Parsippany teachers to the town’s Emergency Food Pantry.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio accepted the $1,214 donation on behalf of the Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry today at the Parsippany Community Center. Also receiving the check was Michelle Picone of the Food Pantry. “We are indeed grateful to the teachers of Parsippany”, Picone said. “Many of our residents will have a plentiful Thanksgiving as a result of the PTHEA’s efforts.”
This marks the third consecutive year that the PTHEA has spearheaded the holiday drive. The 700 plus members of the teachers’ association in all 14 of Parsippany’s public schools have once again been contributing spare coins, bills, change and more in each building since the beginning of the school year. While the majority of the funds came from individual teachers, many secretaries, administrators, custodians and visitors to the school buildings joined the cause as well.
The Parsippany Food Pantry collects and distributes food items for residents in need on an ongoing basis. Donations may be made in person or by calling (973) 263-‐7163.
Thanksgiving 2015: What’s open, what’s closed
Gobble, gobble. Thursday is Thanksgiving and most services throughout New Jersey will closed on Nov. 26 for the state and federal holiday. Banks will not open. The stock and financial markets are taking the day off. Local, state and federal courts will be closed. Municipal government offices as well as state services will be closed. So…
Tools stolen from Smith Road construction site
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer G. Cacioppo responded to a construction site on Smith Road for a report of a theft.
Upon his arrival he spoke to the victim who advised him between the afternoon of Thursday, November 19 and morning Thursday, November 20 unknown individuals(s) stole approximately $6,000.00 worth of construction tools from a locked storage container.
This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.
Body of Missing Canoeist Located In White Meadow Lake; Identity will not be released
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Martin McParland of the Rockaway Township Police Department jointly announce the end of the investigation into the search of a missing canoeist in White Meadow Lake, Rockaway Township.
The search began on Sunday, November 22, at approximately 3:00 a.m., when members of the Rockaway Township Police Department were dispatched to White Meadow Lake regarding a capsized canoe, which contained two Rockaway Township residents, ages 26 and 27.
Officer Jason Tozzi from the Rockaway Township Police Department was the first responder to the scene. He used an available canoe and was able to reach the only visible the 26-year old distressed male in the lake, ultimately saving his life.
The rescued male was transported to St. Clare’s Denville Campus Hospital where he was later released.
A recovery operation at the lake was started on Sunday, November 22, for the second adult male. Today’s search continued to utilize sonar equipment monitored by the New Jersey State Police.
The third day of searching ended today, at approximately 9:30 a.m., when the deceased body of the second male was located in the lake. Dr. Ronald V. Suarez, MD of the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, pronounced the deceased male at the scene. The cause and manner of death are pending.
At the request of the family, the identity of the male found today will not be released.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank all the assisting agencies which include the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Rockaway Township Police Department, the New Jersey State Police the Morris County Sherriff’s Office, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Boonton Fire Department, Rockaway Township Fire Department, Jefferson Township Fire Department, St. Clare’s EMS, Morris County OEM, and divers from multiple agencies.
Plymouth Rock Assurance Study Shows Midday Hours are the Busiest for Travel
NEW JERSEY — A study conducted by New Jersey auto insurance group Plymouth Rock Assurance shows 87% of New Jersey residents traveling on Thanksgiving Day will do so between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. However, only 9% plan to travel between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
“Thanksgiving is one weekday that drivers should consider being on the roads during typical morning rush hours,” said Gerry Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Plymouth Rock Management Company of New Jersey. “Making small adjustments to travel plans can mean avoiding the heaviest traffic. It’s safer and less stressful to be on the roads with fewer cars.”
Findings from the study include:
• 70% of all New Jersey residents polled plan to travel on Thanksgiving Day. Only 15% plan to travel the day before Thanksgiving, with the rest traveling on another day.
• 50% of all respondents will travel less than 30 miles, while 31% will travel from 30 miles to less than 100 miles, with the rest traveling farther.
• Of New Jersey residents traveling on Thanksgiving Day, 9% will travel between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., 45% between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., 42% between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the rest traveling later.
While driving is the most popular form of Thanksgiving travel, the study shows that many drivers are not equipped to handle common car trouble. Nearly half of drivers polled have never changed a flat tire and don’t carry jumper cables.
“Proactive preparation can make it easier to handle common car trouble on your own,” Wilson added. “Taking a few minutes to inspect and prepare your car for travel may save you from being stranded on the side of the road.”
Plymouth Rock wants to help all New Jersey drivers arrive for their Thanksgiving dinner safely and on time. Drivers can visit the Plymouth Rock Blog for instructions on changing a flat tire, jumping a dead battery and driving in a variety of seasonal weather.
Several Parks in Morris County to close for Deer Hunt
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Park Commission will be conducting a controlled deer hunt in accordance with its White-tailed Deer Management Program which aims to improve forest health in the parks through the management of the deer population. These controlled hunts are specifically used as a population management tool.
The following parks will be CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC all day on the specified dates and will only be open to hunters with special access permits. Bow hunting is scheduled in additional Morris County Parks between now and February but these parks will remain open to the public.
Lewis Morris County Park’s hunts begin December 2 and will be held on Wednesdays through February 10, in parts of Harding, Mendham, and Morris Townships that the park covers.
Black River County Park in Chester, which includes Cooper Mill, Kay Environmental Center, Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center and Willowwood Arboretum, and lands managed for Chester Township, will be closed to the public for the hunt on Thursdays.
Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area – covering parts of Kinnelon, Boonton, and Montville Township – will be closed for hunts on Thursdays in December and Fridays in January. The park will also be closed Friday, February 5, and Thursday, February 11, for hunts.
All hunts begin the first week of December and run through February 11, excluding the final two weeks of December for holidays.
Bow hunting is scheduled in additional Morris County Parks between now and February but those parks will remain open to the public.
The Morris County Park currently protects and maintains 18,730 acres at 38 distinct sites. For additional information, including a complete hunting schedule, click here.
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church donates to Parsippany Food Pantry
PARSIPPANY — St. Andrew Lutheran Church, located at 335 Reynolds Avenue, collected non-perishable food donations during October. The congregation has been donating to the Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry on a monthly basis for many years and during 2015 collected an ‘item of the month’.
January 2015 marked the beginning of St. Andrew’s 50th year of ministry in Parsippany and many congregational members strived to conduct outreach projects with the magic number of 50 as their goal. The church’s liaison to the pantry, Lisa Wedemeyer, obtained a list from the food pantry of their most needed items and we incorporated an each month.
“I am happy to report that each month our congregation far exceeded my expectation of achieving the 50 item goal that was set monthly,” said Kim Stecher, event coordinator. “Even though it was requested that each member bring in only 1 of the specified non-perishable item, our members brought in multiply items for each month.” “As a congregation, it would be safe to say that St. Andrew donated well over 150 pounds of food during the 12 months!”
St. Andrew, a barrier-free and accessible church, is located at 335 Reynolds Avenue. As a congregation we seek to do God’s work with our hands. For more information and directions please click here or call (973) 887-6713.
Passenger in vehicle arrested for possession of Marijuana
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer E. Elston observed a 2006 Infiniti G35 conduct an improper U-turn on Route 46 West at Schoolhouse Road at 1:22 a.m. on Sunday, November 15.
Patrol Officer E. Elston conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle at Baldwin Road and Route 46. He spoke to the driver, Benjamin Dang, 32, Parsippany and his passenger Abraham Pensado, 32, West Orange.
After a brief investigation Mr. Pensado was placed under arrest for possession of Marijuana. Mr. Pensado was transported to Police Headquarters were he was issued a summons for Possession of 50 grams or less of Marijuana. He was released on his own recognizance pending his court appearance. Mr. Dang was issued a summons for making an improper U-turn and released at the scene.
Editors Note: Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Korla King collects donations for Parsippany Food Pantry
PARSIPPANY — After talking with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio about the Parsippany Food Pantry Korla King, a sophomore at Parsippany Hills High School got an understanding of just how bare the shelves were and how many families in our town that were in need.
Korla decided to try and help. She posted on Face Book and sent emails and texts to family and friends that she was holding a food drive.
For weeks she would post various events she would be attending and asked for donations. After collecting for three weeks Korla was able to donate well over 10 Large boxes filled with food to benefit to Parsippany Food Pantry.
For more information on the Parsippany Food Pantry, call (973) 263-7163.
Parsippany Food Pantry is located at 1130 Knoll Road, and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations of non-perishable food items are always needed. Any resident in need of supplemental food are invited to call ahead (973) 263-7163. 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.
Driver possession of CDS and Driving while intoxicated
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Police Headquarters was advised that a person was slumped over inside a White Lexus in a lane of travel in the area of New Road and South Edwards Road at 6:29 p.m. on November 13.
Prior to the arrival of responding officers, Police Headquarters was advised that the vehicle was now traveling on South Edwards Road. Patrol Officer M. Sprung located the vehicle in the parking lot of Rutgers Village Apartments and conducted a traffic stop. Upon making contact with William Scheeler, 46, Livingston, a brief investigation was conducted.
Mr. Scheeler was placed under arrest for Possession of a Prescription Legend Drug (1 suspected pill of Oxycodone Hydrochloride and 1 suspected pill of Alprazolam), Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Possession of an Open Container of an Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Provide Documents, and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle.
Mr. Scheeler was transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters were he was processed and released on his own recognizance into the custody of a friend pending his court date.
Editors Note: Criminal complaints are merely accusations. Despite these accusations, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Driver with fog lights arrested for active warrants
PARSIPPANY — Patrol Officer A. Ohlsen observed a red 2006 Volkswagen traveling on Route 10 East near Powder Mill Plaza with only the fog lights illuminated on Sunday, November 22 at 12:29 a.m.
Patrol Officer A. Ohlsen conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Volkswagen and made contact with the driver, Carl David Peon Diaz Jr., 26, Scotch Plains.
After a brief investigation Mr. Diaz Jr. was placed under arrest for an active warrant from Winfield Municipal Court with a $750.00 bail and an active warrant from Scotch Plains Municipal Court with a bail of $2000.00.
He was transported to Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Headquarters where he posted bail and was released pending his court appearance for the warrants.
Canoe capsized in White Meadow Lake; one recovered; one missing
ROCKAWAY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Martin McParland of the Rockaway Township Police Department jointly announce that an investigation is currently underway involving an incident which occurred on White Meadow Lake, Rockaway Township.
On Sunday, November 22, at approximately 3:00 a.m., members of the Rockaway Township Police Department were dispatched to White Meadow Lake, Rockaway Township responding to multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a canoe which capsized containing two (2) individuals.
One adult male was recovered and was transported to St. Clare’s Denville Campus Hospital where he was later released.
A massive recovery operation response at the lake is being undertaken for efforts to locate the second adult male. This investigation is ongoing at this time.
The identities of these individuals are not being released. There is no indication that there is any threat to the community.
Various agencies are involved in the recovery efforts, including the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office- Major Crimes Unit, the Rockaway Township Police Department, the Morris County Sherriff’s Office, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Boonton Fire Department, Rockaway Township Fire Department, Jefferson Township Fire Department, St. Clare’s EMS, Morris County OEM, the New Jersey State Police, and divers from multiple agencies.
Photos courtesy of Parsippany Rescue and Recovery
Motorcade to honor Parsippany High School Marching Band
PARSIPPANY — A motorcade to honor the Parsippany High School Marching Band, the 2015 State and National USBands Group IV A champions, will take place on Sunday starting at 12:00 Noon.
The motorcade will leave from Parsippany High School, located at 309 Baldwin Road.
The route is expected to take 40 minutes to an hour before returning to the high school and police do not anticipate any road closings.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio will present the band with certificates upon their return to the school.
The route begins at Parsippany High School, goes left on Vail Road, left on Baldwin Road, right onto Route 46 West, right onto Vail Road, left onto Knoll Road, right on North Beverwyck Road, left onto Lake Shore Drive, right onto Vail Road, left onto North Beverwyck Road and cross over Route 46 onto South Beverwyck Road.
Then it will proceed right onto Bee Meadow Parkway, right on Reynolds Avenue, left onto Smith Road, left on East Halsey Road, right on Jefferson Road, right on Mazdabrook Road and onto Baldwin Road, crossing Route 46 and end at Parsippany High School.
On Monday, November 23 the Marching Band will have an Award Dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Hanover Manor.
In addition the Board of Education will be presenting plaques to the members on
Tuesday, November 24 starting at 7:00 p.m. at Parsippany High School.
On Monday, November 30, International House of Pancakes (IHOP) will honor the marching band with “Breakfast for Dinner” for the Champs, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Morris County Narcotics Task Force Make First Degree Cocaine Arrest
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Town of Dover Police Department Director Dominic Saldida announce the arrest of a high level drug distributor involved in the distribution of significant quantities of cocaine in an around Dover.
As a result of this joint investigation, over 165 grams of cocaine, $4,800 in cash (drug distribution proceeds) and various items of drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution, including cutting agents, drug packaging materials, and digital scales were seized.
Over the past few months, members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) received information concerning high level cocaine distribution in and around the Dover area. During the evening hours of Wednesday, November 18, the investigation culminated when Detectives from the Narcotics Task Force and Dover Police Department conducted an undercover investigation that resulted in the above referenced seizures of contraband and the arrest of:
Norma Elena Luna-Arrieta, 41, who was charged with the following:
- One count of first-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- One count of second-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- One count of second-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a park zone (cocaine).
- One count of third-degree Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
- One count of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with the Intent to Distribute (cocaine).
- Three counts of third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine).
The street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $16,500.
Luna-Arrieta’s bail was set by Municipal Court Judge Gerard Smith at $200,000, with no 10% option, as well as requiring a bail source hearing. In addition, the defendant is required to present a valid Government identification prior to release. The defendant was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp stated: “Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit continue to cultivate intelligence and work collaboratively with local law enforcement to infiltrate drug distribution networks and disrupt the flow of narcotics entering Morris County. The success of our efforts is the direct result of partnerships and criminal intelligence sharing between members of the Narcotics Task Force and our municipal partners.”
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp wishes to thank the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (Narcotics Task Force), the Town of Dover Police Department and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.