PARSIPPANY — Volunteers and friends of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany participated in “Click Your Knitting Needs Together, To Prevent Infant Abuse.”
They knitted and crocheted caps that are given to baby boys and girls in November and December to help educate parents about the “Period of Purple Crying,” a normal, but frustrating period of increased crying all infants experience in the first few weeks and months after birth.
The PURPLE program is designed to help parents of new babies understand a developmental stage that is not widely known. It provides education on the normal crying curve and the dangers of shaking a baby.
Additionally the program tries to create a cultural change in how parents, caregivers, and everyone in the community understand the normalcy of this early infant crying and the dangers of reacting to an infant’s crying in frustration. The program is based on over 50 years of scientific research on infant crying, the connection between the crying curve and the incidence of SBS. It has undergone extensive evaluation with randomized controlled trials with 4400 participants and 32 parent focus groups. Therefore, in order to achieve consistent results, the program is delivered using a very specific protocol.
Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey is the New Jersey Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, a network of chapters in all 50 states. Our mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect, in all forms, for all New Jersey children. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey is the only statewide non-profit dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect in all forms, for all New Jersey children.
Why PURPLE?
The acronym PURPLE is used to describe specific characteristics of an infant’s crying during this phase and let parents and caregivers know that what they are experiencing is indeed normal and, although frustrating, is simply a phase in their child’s development that will pass. The word Period is important because it tells parents that it is only temporary and will come to an end!
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany meets on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46. For more information, click here.
PARSIPPANY — Home Depot, 780 Route 46, held a fire prevention day on Saturday, October 17. Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District 5 participated in the event with members Taner Uygun, Rachael, Home Dept, Dave Cavaliere, Nick Cucchiara, Mike Lambert, Brian Ricci and Andres Giaraldo.
Brian Ricci, newly appointed Parsippany-Troy Hills Fire Inspector was guiding the children through the fire safety trailer and showing them methods of escape in the event of a fire, as well as answering questions.
Children had the opportunity to explore the fire truck and explored the various apparatus.
Home Depot employees set up work station for children to paint and learn to use some hand tools.Home Depot treated all the volunteer to lunch.
The fire safety trailerChildren had the opportunity to paint
PARSIPPANY — Kristen Leigh Ritter (Taylor) passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2015 at the age of 38.
From the day she was born she touched this world and everyone in and around her. Kristen’s love and energy was so infectious that she elevated people to raise their game and strive to do more. She loved to travel, and with her husband T.J. they visited over 53 countries. She also loved music, cars and especially the NY Jets.
Kristen was born in Manhattan, NY and has lived in Parsippany for the last nine years.
She received her Bachelor’s degree from American Military University and her Master’s degree in Science from College of St. Elizabeth. Kristen was very influential at Newscorp where she worked for many years before becoming the head of internal communications at Aetna a year ago. She was on the board of directors for the Special Olympics where she helped to raise over 20 million dollars.
Kristen is survived by her beloved husband and best friend of 17 years, Thomas “T.J.” Ritter of Parsippany. She is also survived by her mother Celia Thompson and her father Peter Taylor, as well as her siblings Samantha Taylor of Los Angeles, CA, Heather and her husband Thomas Kelly of Staten Island, Nicole Thompson of Staten Island, and Anthony and his wife Kristyn Thompson Allentown, PA. Also surviving her are her nephews Thomas, Michael and Nicholas Kelly, and her nieces Alexis and Amelia Thompson, as well as her brother in law Timmy Ritter and her mother in law Judith Ritter, both of FL. She was predeceased by her father in law John Ritter and her beloved grandparents Nanny & Popoo, Frank and Margaret Laricchia.
Funeral services will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday October 20, 2015 at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, and then going to St. Christopher’s Church in Parsippany for a 10:00 a.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to: Special Olympics of NJ, One Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.
PARSIPPANY — The new Zinburger on Route 10 raised $10,000 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern NJ and presented a check this morning.
Zinburger sold a limited edition VIP Gold Package for $100 with all proceeds benefiting the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern NJ, an organization that builds self-esteem and brings quality mentoring to children throughout Northern New Jersey.
Parsippany Rescue and Recovery at the EMS Educational Symposium and Trade Show
PARSIPPANY — The Emergency Medical Services Council of New Jersey will be hosting an EMS Educational Symposium and Trade Show at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, 199 Smith Road.
Come out to see the exhibits and ambulances on display and to support our own Parsippany Rescue and Recovery team as they demonstrate an Underwater Recovery rescue at the pool in Atlantis Health Spa on Sunday, October 17 at 12:30 p.m.
There will also be a Tricky Tray being held on Saturday and Sunday.
PARSIPPANY — Students from Parsippany Hills High School participated in the Legislators Back-to-School Program on Wednesday, October 14 with Assemblyman Jay Webber and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.
Assemblyman Webber and Assemblywoman DeCroce visited with the senior Institute for Political & Legal Education class of teacher Mr. Adam Pavese on Wednesday, October 14. With the students, the Assembly Members discussed their roles as Legislators and representatives of citizens and answered student questions about government and politics at the State and National levels.
Student questions touched on many topics, including Atlantic City, taxes, manufacturing jobs, and standardized testing.
With elections approaching and these seniors eligible to vote for the first time, Assemblyman Webber and Assemblywoman DeCroce emphasized that students should exercise their important right and civic duty to vote for representatives of their choosing.
“It is an honor and privilege to represent the residents of Parsippany, including its students, in the State Legislature.
The seniors asked informed and excellent questions, and I hope they remain encouraged in their involvement with New Jersey’s government,” stated Assemblyman Webber.
Assemblyman Webber was especially pleased to see student Jeffrey Hunt in the class. Jeffrey first became interested in public service when he attended the 2009 New Jersey Reagan Day, an annual tribute to the leadership of President Ronald Reagan founded and hosted by Assemblyman Webber.
Jeffrey Hunt is President of the Student Council at Parsippany Hills High School.
The America’s Legislators Back-to-School Program was founded in 1999 to educate students about our system of representative democracy. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides educational materials about representative democracy for legislators’ use in the presentations to K to 12 classes.
The bipartisan program, sponsored by NCSL’s Trust for Representative Democracy, encourages lawmakers to visit classrooms to help students understand and appreciate our system of representative democracy.
PARSIPPANY — Patrolman David Cavaliere responded to a resident on Alexander Avenue on a report of a theft of a lawn sign.
Upon his arrival he spoke to the home owner who stated unknown actors stole the lawn sign that supported the teachers of Parsippany around 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 11.
The victim stated the vehicle appeared to be a silver in color.
This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff Edward Rochford, asked to respond to the freeholders’ demand that he re-negotiate contracts or cut jobs, issued this response today:
“I have fulfilled my Constitutional requirement in signing reasonable contracts that are within the already established salary parameters set forth by the Freeholders for county law enforcement. It is up to the unions to decide a course of action, if any, they wish to take.
It is disappointing, however, that the collective bargaining process is aired in the press. Hopefully the county will exercise their authority and ability to honor the contracts so that the public safety is not jeopardized.” Sheriff Edward Rochford stated.
MORRIS COUNTY — A letter unanimously authorized by the seven-member Morris County Board of Freeholders has been sent to Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford advising him that contracts he has negotiated with four labor unions representing his employees would far exceed his budget and could only be implemented through his layoffs of more than two dozen officers and civilian employees over the next two years.
The letter, signed by Morris County Administrator John Bonanni and sent to Sheriff Rochford on Thursday, explained that pay increases of 25 percent to 31 percent over three to four years negotiated by the sheriff for 2015, 2016 and 2017 with employees in his Division of Law Enforcement would far exceed his budget.
The freeholders, in the letter, strongly suggest that the sheriff re-negotiate those contracts to bring them proposed salary increases in line with realistic budget numbers and projections. Otherwise, the sheriff was advised that he should begin the process of developing a lay-off plan that would achieve needed savings to allow for pay increases he would like to implement.
The sheriff previously had been advised by the county, in July, that he would not have enough money to fund proposed salaries if he moved ahead with contracts he had negotiated, and would be faced with having to implement lay-offs.
If the sheriff were to implement those negotiated new contracts, the budget shortfall would require the sheriff to reduce his workforce by 16 full-time staff members of various ranks and levels in 2016, an additional 11 full-time employees in 2017, and at least one more layoff in 2018, to be able to fit the new salaries into his budget, the letter cautioned.
In the letter, Administrator Bonanni explained that the county treasurer has determined that pay raises negotiated by the Sheriff with Morris County Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Local 151; Morris County Policemen’s Benevolent Association, PBA 151 Superior Officers Associations; Sheriff’s Investigators; and Sheriff’s Civilians would exceed the amount allocated to Sheriff’s Office in the current 2015 county budget by $528,506.
They would result in a projected $905,767 shortfall in 2016 and exceed the anticipated 2017 county budget by $1.3 million. The county factored in anticipated 2 percent budget increase for 2016 and 2017, per Gov. Christie’s 2% cap on annual spending increases.
Any layoff plan would require at least 90 days to implement, so it would be too late for the sheriff to reduce his workforce in 2015 to offset pay hikes that would exceed his current budget.
The PBA 151 contract negotiated by the sheriff would provide a 25 percent pay increase over three years. The contract negotiated with Sheriff’s Superior Officers would result in a 31 percent pay hike over three years. The contract with Sheriff’s Civilian Employees would result in a 29.4 percent pay hike over four years.
The freeholders, in the letter, said that a September 2015 suggestion by the sheriff that a “$60 million” county surplus fund be used to pay for his negotiated salary increases would not be considered. There is no $60 million fund, they explained and suggested the sheriff meet with the County Auditor to learn the purpose, amount, source and allowed uses of surplus, of fund balances.
The sheriff set up a meeting with the County Auditor to be fully briefed on the issue of surplus, but then cancelled that session and sent surrogates from his office. Administrator Bonanni, in the letter, wrote that the offer is still open to the sheriff to meet personally with the county auditor, so he fully understands the surplus issue.
The sheriff, who is the sole employer of employees in his Division of Law Enforcement, has been asked to consider these facts and to respond to the freeholder board with a proposal on how to deal with this situation. There are about 130 employees budgeted for that division.
Sheriff Edward Rochford, in a letter dated September 25 to Mr. John Bonnani, County Adminstrator he stated “I think it is most efficient to respond to your letter dated March 13, 2105 and go over point for point as to why the contract was negotiated as such with regards to the areas of concern you noted:
ARTICLE X- Sick Leave
The sick leave was negotiated in good faith as a gesture to give something substantial back to the county by way of a huge cost savings. Simultaneously, it was providing a means to help the agency during our short staff status by giving the officers an incentive to come to work every day.
This part of the package basically allowed the officers to cash in their unused sick time at the end of each year at $.33 on the dollar. This would have essentially saved the county 66% of the funds allocated to pay for the sick benefits offered by the county. We figured this number to be well over a million dollars a year agency wide if the officers indeed took advantage of it. We did not know it was illegal as we were informed it is taught in Public Administration studies in Universities and it was believed to have been implemented in other counties in the country; perhaps not New Jersey. Regardless, since it is illegal as you say, the union have removed it from the contract. The intention was to offer the county a means of savings and at the same time, find a creative motivation for the officers to come to work on every possible day to lessen overtime expenses caused by sick days.
ARTICLE XII- Hospital and Medical/ Surgical Insurance
This has since been edited to reflect the prior contract language.
ARTICLE XVI- Personal Leaves
Administrative days are planned and approved by their supervisor and can often be filled by rearranging shifts and not incurring overtime unlike when an officer calls in sick. The administrative days were increased one day in years two and three of the contract only, not in the first year of the contract. This coupled with the sick incentive was to keep our daily requirements of staff and cut overtime.
ARTICLE XXII- Uniform Allowance
$100 a year is merely covering the increase in cost to maintain the uniforms properly in order to make the uniforms last longer; ultimately saving in the long run on the uniform needs.
ARTICLE XXV- Wages
Although this has been portrayed by the media as a 20+% raise, it is more accurate to figure these contracts as essentially restoring the officers’ industry standard steps that were supposedly “temporarily frozen” in the last contract, along with a 2-3% increase. We negotiated this as a means to only partially recover from the years they not only had their steps frozen but they also had two years of 0% increases. So essentially, even at the 3% (1% above the proverbial 2% cap), the officers were still at a deficit of 3% from where they should be factoring in the 4% they gave up on those two years of zeros.
The 2% cap that is so frequently referenced as the end all cap for the agency is more accurately a county-wide budget cap. This gives the counties allowance to make judgement calls as to where the money is to go each year. The Sheriff s Office is a Constitutional Office and my role of the Sheriff (the person who was elected by the people of this county to run this agency) is to inform you what funds I need to run this agency. The idea is that we work together on this as we have the last 20 years of my tenure as Sheriff. I have cut and cut and cut to accommodate the governing body over the years. The last two years I have seen an egregiously costly trend that is 100% caused by the retention issue which I have brought to yours and the Freeholders’ attention on numerous occasions. This retention issue is costing the county over $2,000,000 a year*.
Additionally, this revolving door of new officers has gotten to a point of danger to the citizens of this county and all those who work in and visit the courthouse. Both of these concerns have seemed to have fallen on deaf ears. I will remind you of the statistics and reiterate that these are NOT to be made public as that would put everyone in utter danger as it will show the public and those who want to bring harm, the real vulnerabilities within the courthouse and the jail that the county has allowed to manifest.
Industry standard is less than 15% of new officers leave within the first 5 years on the job.
Since 2012, 39% of the new hires in the jail have left within the first two years on the job. Similarly for the new hires in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. A number of officers in the courthouse have under 18 months on the job experience. These numbers are unacceptable and are almost completely due to the grossly uncompetitive contracts, inclusive of the elimination of steps. MCSO officers are the lowest paid officers in the entire county despite their specialized skills and multi-role responsibilities.
The county was presented with this contract well before the governing body created and adopted a countywide budget so it was their responsibility to appropriate funds to cover the cost of this contract; the cost of running this agency. The county was also notified in writing that not only did they receive PBA 151 contract, but that all other contracts would be coming shortly and that they would closely mirror that of 151; allowing the Freeholders to factor in estimated increases for the subsequent contracts.
Additionally, throughout my 23 years as Sheriff, it has been a substantial past practice that each year the county representatives and the Budget Committee members of the governing body, would sit down multiple times with me and/or representatives of this agency to discuss the areas of concern, etc. to collectively come up with the necessary parameters. This was never done last year and I don’t know why. In fact, it has also been a 20 year past practice of the county to present me with a clearly defined budget that I am to review and physically sign off on as my vow to stay within the budget designated. This, too, was never done this year. So in essence, I have never signed off on an agreement to any budget, nor would I have signed off on the proposed budget that showed the county arbitrarily cutting our Salary & Wages roughly $900,000 equating to an over 9% cut despite the state mandate of nine additional posts/courtrooms to be manned. Cutting our Salary & Wages when we have been mandated to cover substantially more makes no sense. This unfunded mandate scenario is similarly reflected in the new bail reform which has required the Prosecutors Office to recently request an additional 11-15 employees. I was encouraged however, to see that the Prosecutor’s request was quickly granted and that a handful of costly studies were not ordered to be done on that office to determine if they could be run more efficiently.
I have shown you and the others who have the power to remedy this, the outrageous cost our retention issue has been causing the county over the last two years and I have presented you with a solution to remedy it all at a fraction of the cost of this annual financial drain. I have also shown the powers at be in the county the point of danger the county is currently in as a result of this retention issue. I firmly believe and will state that this county is setting the stage for a tragedy to take place if this agency is not fortified with reasonable contracts that make it possible for young officers to stay with the agency. Experience is paramount in law enforcement and can only be gained by continued years on the job. Courthouses around the country have shown an uptick in incidents hence the state mandated additional coverage. I have plead my case to you and the governing body numerous times and will continue to do so on a broader scale. The county is handcuffing me from doing my Constitutional duty and I don’t know why.
I am firmly stating that all the contracts have been negotiated in good faith and with a fiscally conservative mindset. These must be honored by the county even if you have to dip into the $60 million surplus that the county has garnered over the years to have for times and situations exactly like this. I would also like to add that in my tenure as Sheriff, I have saved the county over $16 million in tightening up the Bureau of Corrections’ efficiency and I have returned to the county treasury between $500,000 and $800,000 every year from the Bureau of Law Enforcement as a result of my cutting and efficient management of doing more with less. I have always worked with the numbers and cut whenever possible. It is no longer possible. Increase in security and law enforcement needs don’t follow a cost of living trend, they answer the need driven by society. It is the cost of keeping the county a safe place to live, work and play. You lose that characteristic of the county and you have lost a lot more than a few dollars.
As far as responding to “plans for a layoff ‘… I have no plans for a layoff. In my professional opinion with 50 years in law enforcement, this agency does not have the luxury of a single extra body. Even the Freeholders’ commissioned staffing study done by Concorde Group, albeit not holding any credibility in the opinion of those in law enforcement, had us as below acceptable levels when we only had 125 and suggested we add two more. Working together with the Freeholders, they have approved the Bureau of Law Enforcement for 131 employees and I have agreed to make that number work for this year. Your letter proposing a 10 person layoff, bringing the agency down to 121, is completely unfounded and accompanies no justification when we have a $60 million surplus.
In closing, I have signed a bona fide contract with my unions that fall within the parameters of the salary ranges set forth by the governing body for other county law enforcement agencies; namely the Prosecutor’s Office and the Park Police; still falling way below those counterparts in the Prosecutor’s Office. I am asking that you and the others who have the power to remedy this crisis, please do so and honor these contracts drawing from the $60 million surplus.
If you have further concerns and would like to engage in a dialogue, I would absolutely welcome that as well. I am looking forward to working with you and the governing body to fortify this area of the county.
*Officers from the Bureau of Corrections resigned and officers from the Bureau of Law Enforcement resigned within the first two years; basically just after their probationary training period. We are noticing a trend that more and more are resigning within the first year on the job; many within weeks of graduating the academy.
The county accepts a “reimbursement rate” for each poached officer of $25,000 per officer, although this is not the entire cost of training a new officer which has been recently calculated at $39,000 per officer.
Taking the county accepted reimbursement rate of $25,000 per officer. .. this alone equals a cost of $1,225,000. To train and then lose the talent.
49 officers x $25,000 per officer = $1,225,000 If you take actual cost of getting an officer through the academy and on the job it would be $39,000 x 49 = $1,911,000.
This is $1,225,000 alone, not even factoring in the more costly factor of overtime which is incurred during the void caused by the constant departure. Which we all agree has spiked in the last two years. (A cost we can greatly eliminate with fortified contracts)
REASONS OVERTIME IS SO HIGH…
For the Bureau of Corrections, it takes 4 to 5 months to get a candidate approved, through the academy and on the job.
For Bureau of Law Enforcement (longer academy) it takes 6 to 8 months. In both bureaus there is a possibility for even more delay since the academy runs only twice a year.
During that void those shifts have to be covered and at one and one half times the hourly rate. (Time and a half is industry standard).
Also, they often have to be covered by a seasoned officer which is at a higher rate than a new officer.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp is pleased to be participating in this year’s Break the Silence Conference on Prevention of Domestic Violence Against Women on Saturday, October 17, which is being sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church in Morristown and organized by Dr. Gayle Pearson, First Presbyterian Church Program Coordinator.
October is nationally recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Recently, on October 14, 2015, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders issued a proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness month. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Jersey Battered Women’s Service received the Proclamation from the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The Break the Silence Conference will provide information to the community on how to protect victims of domestic violence and to end the silence surrounding domestic violence in our community.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Tia Manochio will be presenting information on the prosecution of domestic violence cases, the criminal sanctions facing defendants convicted of domestic violence and what protections under the law are available to victims of domestic violence.
The Keynote speaker is Reverend Bonnie M. Orth, Leader of Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network, who will speak on the issue of Violence Against Women Locally and Globally.
Patty Sly, Director of Jersey Battered Women’s Service, will be speaking to provide information on Perspectives on Violence Against Women and How We as Individuals Can Make a Difference. Patty Sly will also discuss the new initiative for the Morris County Family Justice Center.
The Break the Silence Conference on Prevention of Violence Against Women will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 East Park Place, Morristown.
The conference is free, however a RSVP is requested via telephone at (973) 538-1776 or click here.
If you need additional information regarding this event, contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200 or Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Chief of Investigations Denise H. Arseneault at 973-285-6262 or darseneault@co.morris.nj.us.
MOUNT OLIVE — Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Chief Mark Spitzer of the Mount Olive Township Police Department announce the arrest of Phillip Johnson, 28, Mount Olive, for Invasion of Privacy, Witness Tampering, and various counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children.
On Tuesday, September 8, Johnson was charged with Invasion of Privacy, a crime of the third degree, and Witness Tampering, a crime of the third degree. Those charges stem from allegations that Defendant filmed multiple women engaged in sexual encounters without their knowledge. That case remains under investigation, as the women are still being identified.
A month later on Tuesday, October 13, he was also charged with one count of Endangering the Welfare of Children, Permitting a Child to Engage in Child Pornography, a crime of the first degree; and one count of Endangering the Welfare of Children, Manufacturing Child Pornography, a crime of the second degree.
The Honorable Brian J. Levine, J.M.C., set bail at $25,000 with 10% cash option. Conditions of that bail include: no contact with the victim; no contact with children under the age of 18. The alleged victim in this matter is an 18 year old female, who reported that she had engaged in an act of sexual contact with Defendant when she was 17 years of age.
The investigation revealed that Defendant filmed the sexual encounter without her consent or knowledge.
The investigation into the allegations of Invasion of Privacy is ongoing, and law enforcement is actively seeking to identify those woman that were filmed during these sexual encounters.
Anyone with information relating to this ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at (973) 285-6200 or the Detective Bureau of the Mt. Olive Police Department at (973) 691-0850.
Prosecutor Knapp would like to thank the continued efforts of the Mount Olive Township Police Department, specifically Det. Eric Krouse and Sgt. Luis Sanchez; and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit.
Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has leaf bags available for purchase by Parsippany Residents. Leaf bags are available now through Friday, October 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. and on Saturday, October 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Bags can be purchased at DPW yard on Saturday, October 17 only.)
All residents must pay for the leaf bags at the Town Hall Municipal Building cashier’s window between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $15.00 per bundle of 50 bags (Cash or check only).
There is a limit of two bundles per resident, while supplies last. You will be given a receipt, which you will hand in to the employees handling out the bags at town-hall.
Town-wide cleanup day will be held on Saturday, October 17. Recycling yard will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Recycling Yard is located at One Pump House Road.
PARSIPPANY — While on patrol at 11:08 p.m. on Monday, October 12, Patrolman M. Sprung observed a 1993 Honda Accord parked in the rear parking lot of United Parcel Service, 799 Jefferson Road with its interior light on.
Patrolman M. Sprung exited his vehicle and observed the driver, later identified as Dave Lafleur, 18, East Orange, breaking up what appeared to be suspected marijuana in his lap and placing it into a cigar wrapper.
Patrolman M. Sprung instructed Mr. Lafleur to open his car’s window and turn the illegal narcotics over to him.
Once backup officers arrived, Mr. Lafleur and the passenger Merjonnie Thomas, 18, Union, were advised to exit the vehicle.
Officers observed two more cigar wrappers that were partially smoked containing suspected marijuana.
Mr. Lafleur and Mr. Thomas were placed under arrest for Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana. Both individuals were released on their own recognizance pending their court date.
Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Patrolmen A. Ohlsen, D. Roman, and P. Kolln responded to the parking lot of Parsippany Inn, 2939 Route 10 for a report of a male damaging a motor vehicle at 1:29 a.m. on Sunday, October 11.
Upon arrival the victim and his girlfriend advised the Officers that they just witnessed David Byra, 35, Morris Plains, damage their vehicle, a 2002 Nissan Altima.
Officers then spoke to Mr. Byra, and after a brief investigation, issued him a summons for Criminal Mischief and released on his own recognizance pending his court date.
PARSIPPANY — Patrolmen E. Giordano, E. Ebanks, and J. Mendez responded to the Parsippany Inn, 2939 Route 10, at 1:21 a.m. on Friday, October 16 for an active fight between two individuals. Upon the arrival of Patrolman E. Giordano, he found William Cole, 47, Morris Plains, outside the building with facial injuries, and Victor Columbo, 37, Parsippany, inside the building with a stab wound to the abdominal area.
First Aid was immediately rendered to Mr. Columbo by Patrolman E. Giordano. Patrol Lieutenant D. McConnell, Patrol Sergeant R. Carrozzino, Detective M. Czajka, Patrolwoman M. Kardos, Patrolman C. Silva along with Patrol units from Denville Police Department and Morris Plains Police Department arrived on the scene to assist.
Two ambulances from the Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance squad treated Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole.
Detective M. Czajka conducted his preliminary investigation and both individuals were placed under arrest and transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.
Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section responded to the scene and assisted with processing the area. A kitchen-type knife was recovered from the scene.
Once Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole were released from Morristown Medical Center they were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
Mr. Columbo was charged with Aggravated Assault Causing Serious Bodily injury with a bail of $35,000.
Mr. Cole was charged with Aggravated Assault causing injury with a Weapon, Possession of a weapon with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon with a bail of $50,000.
This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Investigative Division at (973) 263-4313.
Editors Note: A complaint or a charge 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.
Correction: It was previously reported that Rockaway Neck First Aid Ambulance Squad treated Mr. Columbo and Mr. Cole when it was actually Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Taxpayers’ Association announced its 2015 NJTA Taxpayer Advocate Award recipients.
Nominations were considered in four areas of focus: Shared Services / Consolidation, Open Government, School Choice and 2015 Special Achievement, all of whom contributed meaningful efforts to encourage government to find ways to reduce taxation in New Jersey.
This year’s recipient in the category of Shared Services / Consolidation is: Former Long Hill Township Mayor and current Executive Director or Courage to Connect New Jersey, Gina Genovese.
This year’s recipients in the category of Open Government are: State Senator Loretta Weinberg and State Senator Joe Pennacchio.
This year’s recipient in the category of School Choice is State Assemblyman Anthony Bucco.
This year’s recipient in the category of 2015 Special Achievement is Morris County Sherriff Ed Rochford.
The award recipients will be recognized at an upcoming NJTA General Membership Meeting at the Morris County Library, 30 East Hanover Ave, Whippany on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m.
For more information about NJTA or the awards event, click here or contact the organization’s president, Chris Rogers at crogers@njtaxes.org or (973) 975-8383.
PARSIPPANY — Patrolman E. Elston observed a 2005 Nissan Altima stopped within in the intersection of Route 46 East and New Road at 7:44 p.m. on October 10.
Patrolman E. Elston conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and advised the driver to pull forward over the public address system in his vehicle.
The driver, later identified as Raul Romero, 33, Livingston, placed the vehicle in reverse and began to back up, almost striking another vehicle.
Patrolman E. Elston exited his vehicle to make contact with Mr. Romero at which time he fled eastbound down Route 46, running a red light and nearly striking a vehicle.
While fleeing eastbound on Route 46, Mr. Romero turned off his headlights and attempted to take the Chapin Road jug handle.
Mr. Romero failed to negotiate the curve in the ramp, at which time his vehicle left the roadway, struck the curb, tree stumps, and a chain link fence.
Mr. Romero continued through the Speedway Gas Station and reentered Route 46 eastbound traffic. He then pulled into the Montville Business Park where he attempted to flee on foot.
Patrolman Elston was able to prevent Mr. Romero from fleeing and place him into custody with the assistance of Patrolman A. Clark who arrived on scene.
Mr. Romero was placed under arrest. Mr. Romero was charged with Eluding, Driving while intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Open Container in a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Comply with Officers Directions, Driving while Suspended, Failure to Observe a Traffic Signal, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Fictitious Plates, Driving an unregistered vehicle and Driving an Uninsured Motor Vehicle.
Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Today is Emma Gold Out Day. Teachers, Administration, students have dedicated Friday, October 16 as “Emma Gold Out Day.”
The halls and classrooms blazed of color as administration, teachers and students in all 14 buildings will be wearing gold (the color associated with childhood cancer awareness), with some wearing specially created t-shirts, the proceeds of which will raise the “YouCaring” totals even more. The date was chosen to coincide with Emma’s first birthday, Sunday, October 18, when Mrs. Forte plans to present her with her first birthday present, a sampling of the financial generosity of the Parsippany community.
Pictured are teachers, administration and staff at Parsippany High School.
PARSIPPANY — Rabbi Berel Wein, an internationally acclaimed scholar, historian and speaker will be the Scholar-in-Residence for the 6th Dr. George S. Rotter Memorial Shabbat at Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah.
The Shabbaton will begin on Friday, October 23, with Shabbat services at 5:45 p.m., followed by a sumptuous Shabbat dinner at 6:45 p.m. Rabbi Wein will give his keynote presentation following dinner, speaking on “The Greatest Jewish Heroes Throughout History.”
The Shabbaton continues on Saturday, October 24, with services at 9:00 a.m. Rabbi Wein will again address the congregation following a deluxe kiddush lunch, speaking of “My Rabbinic Journey: A Personal Reflection.”
Rabbi Wein, known internationally, has been identified with the popularization of Jewish history through his more than 1,000 lectures on CD and now MP3 format. Rabbi Wein is the author of ten books, all of which have received popular and critical acclaim, as have his seminars, educational tours and, most recently, dramatic and documentary films. He is the founder and director of The Destiny Foundation which is dedicated, through its films and multimedia, to educate and inspire Jewish identity through Jewish history
Congregation Shaya Ahavat Torah is located at 113 Hawkins Avenue, and has recently expanded its community eruv to include the nearby Holiday Inn and the Ramada Inn.
For more information and reservations, contact Naomi Rotter by clicking here or Rabbi Shalom Lubin at (973) 896-6577.
This article was reprinted from Jewish Link NJ, with permission.
SOUTHBURY, CT — The Hartford Courant is reporting that a Parsippany woman was killed when her car veered off the road and hit a tree along I-84 in Connecticut on Wednesday evening.
Kristen Ritter, 38 of Parsippany, was taken to Waterbury Hospital where she died of her injuries. Ritter, along with her husband and neighbors were well known to many in the community as vocal opponents Parsippany’s “Field of Dreams” when attending many Board of Education and Township Council meetings on the issue.
Parsippany Focus will update as funeral arrangements are made available
PARSIPPANY — Patrolmen A. Ohlsen, D. Roman, and P. Kolln responded to the parking lot of Parsippany Inn, 2939 Route 10 for a report of a male damaging a motor vehicle at 1:29 a.m. on Sunday, October 11.
