PARSIPPANY — Following the Memorial Day Parade, the Rainbow Lakes Fire Department District Two continued its annual tradition by hosting a barbecue. With an impressive turnout this year, the dedicated volunteers delighted attendees with mouthwatering hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, coleslaw, Birch Beer, and various adult beverages.
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department Annual Picnic
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During the annual picnic, Frank DeRienzo, the President of Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District Two, took on the task of pouring the refreshing birch beer for the attendees. With precision and a friendly demeanor, Frank ensured everyone had a cold and enjoyable beverage to accompany their meal. His dedication to serving the community extended beyond his role as President, as he actively participated in making the event a success.
Under the pleasant weather conditions of a perfect 70 degrees, the annual event hosted by Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District Two attracted numerous attendees who reveled in the festivities. The enjoyable atmosphere provided an ideal backdrop for everyone to come together and celebrate, creating a memorable experience.
Under the pleasant weather conditions of a perfect 70 degrees, the annual event hosted by Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District Two attracted numerous attendees who reveled in the festivities. The enjoyable atmosphere provided an ideal backdrop for everyone to come together and celebrate, creating a memorable experience.
Under the pleasant weather conditions of a perfect 70 degrees, the annual event hosted by Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District Two attracted numerous attendees who reveled in the festivities. The enjoyable atmosphere provided an ideal backdrop for everyone to come together and celebrate, creating a memorable experience.
The volunteers from Lake Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Squad wholeheartedly embraced the day and enjoyed their time at the event. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they actively participated and contributed to the festivities, showcasing their commitment to serving the comm unity. Pictured is Mike Spillert, Jenn Sikora and Abbey Thurkauf.
Mark Turo, a dedicated volunteer from Lake Parsippany, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President, along with Patrick Turo, enthusiastically participated in the event. Their presence added to the vibrant atmosphere, showcasing their commitment to community service and their engagement in local affairs.
Under the pleasant weather conditions of a perfect 70 degrees, the annual event hosted by Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District Two attracted numerous attendees who reveled in the festivities. The enjoyable atmosphere provided an ideal backdrop for everyone to come together and celebrate, creating a memorable experience.
Josh Lefferts, a dedicated volunteer fireman from Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire District Two, engaged in a friendly conversation with Christian Anderson, a fireman from Denville. As they chatted, they shared insights, experiences, and knowledge, fostering camaraderie and strengthening the bond between the two fire departments. Their interaction exemplified the spirit of collaboration and mutual support within the firefighting community.
Mark Rabson, the Treasurer of the Rainbow Lakes Fire Department District Two, took on the responsibility of assembling the burgers and hotdogs onto the bread for serving. With careful attention to detail, Mark ensured that each burger and hotdog was placed perfectly on the bread, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable meal for all the attendees.
Gavin Denise, a Junior Firefighter and a Junior at Parsippany Hills High School, stepped up to the task of delivering the hot food to the guests at the event. With a sense of responsibility and dedication, Gavin efficiently ensured that the delicious food reached the guests promptly and with a friendly smile. His commitment to service and teamwork made him an invaluable asset to the event's success.
Bobby Onufrick, a member of the Rainbow Lakes Fire Department District Two, took on the role of chef for the day at the annual event. With his culinary skills, Bobby skillfully cooked up a delectable feast of hamburgers and hotdogs, delighting everyone in attendance with his delicious creations.
The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company provides fire protection services to the residents and businesses within the boundaries of Parsippany-Troy Hills District Two. This district includes the northwestern portion of the township, bordering neighboring Denville Township and Mountain Lakes Borough. District Two falls south of Route 46, west of Cherry Hill Road, until it runs into Denville Township. The district’s eastern edge runs along Cherry Hill Road from Route 46 south to Dartford Road. The district includes the section of Interstate Route 80 east and westbound, west of the Cherry Hill Road Exit until it reaches Denville Township.
For more information about Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District Two, click here.
PARSIPPANY — On May 6, during the monthly meeting of the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District Two, Marie Appel was recognized as a special guest.
Marie’s late husband, George, was a committed firefighter, officer, and elected Fire Commissioner for Parsippany Fire District Two. At George’s funeral the previous month, the fire company presented Marie with the American Flag reverently draped over his coffin.
This flag, bestowed by the Veterans Administration in honor of his military service, was accompanied by a wooden and glass case provided by the fire company as a gesture of appreciation for George’s invaluable contributions to the firefighting community.
The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company provides fire protection services to the residents and businesses within the boundaries of Parsippany-Troy Hills District Two. This district includes the northwestern portion of the township, bordering neighboring Denville Township and Mountain Lakes Borough. District Two falls south of Route 46, west of Cherry Hill Road, until it runs into Denville Township. The district’s eastern edge runs along Cherry Hill Road from Route 46 south to Dartford Road. The district includes the section of Interstate Route 80 east and westbound, west of the Cherry Hill Road Exit until it reaches Denville Township.
For more information about Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District Two, click here.
PARSIPPANY — On May 11, Parsippany High School (PHS) Environmental Club members volunteered their time and effort to the Keep Morris County Litter Free educational program. This state-wide campaign was held by the New Jersey Clean Communities Program. It was sponsored by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, which supplied gloves, bags, and a campaign banner.
The PHS Environmental Club, advised by Nancy Lennon and Monika Castillo and the club’s officers Mahi Patel, Maira Can, Vanessa Sanchez, and Yashasvi Nekkanti, organized and participated in the cleanup with many club members.
The students collected litter for two hours and covered two acres of PHS school grounds, resulting in many bags of recyclables and garbage. The PHS PTSA and President Liz Kadian supplied refreshments for the group, which was much appreciated.
Due to the student’s participation, a $600 grant will be given to PHS Environmental Club to purchase recycling supplies.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Board of Education has issued a Notice of Intent to fill the Board Member vacancy position. The vacant position belonged to President and long-time member Timothy Berrios who had to step down once his daughter became an employee of the school district.
The Board of Education intends to fill the position at its June 22, 2023, meeting.
Interested individuals with the qualifications for a Board of Education member are encouraged to submit a resume and/or request consideration to the Board Secretary, Mrs.Robin Tedesco, by 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Click here to download the qualifications.
Submissions may be sent to the Calabria Education Center, 292 Parsippany Road, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
The Republican majority of Morris County’s Board of Commissioners very reasonably voted to endorse State Senator Joe Pennacchio’s re-election effort because Senator Pennacchio has done a creditable job for his constituents in Morris County.
On the other hand, in many people’s opinion, Tom Mastrangelo has done a lousy job as Commissioner. Mastrangelo was front and center at the three Parsippany Town Council meetings, where he loudly and enthusiastically endorsed the adoption of Union-sponsored Project Labor Agreement regulations recently passed by a 4-1 vote for all Municipal construction contracts over $5 million.
Much of the public was against such a move, but with the help of Mastrangelo’s loud voice, and the PLA was passed. My main point is that PLA’s and Union support is usually endorsed by Democratic politicians. Mastrangelo professes to be a strong Republican and Conservative, but when it is time to stand up for Republican and Conservative values, Mastrangelo laid down on the job.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognizes resident Veterans by presenting them with the Distinguished Military Service Medal. These medals are unique to Morris County, although copied in many ways, and were first issued in 1999 to honor WWII veterans on the 55th Anniversary of the 1944 D-Day invasion and the liberation of France from Nazi occupation. Morris County expanded the medals to include Vietnam and Korea, as well as general service in our military during other conflicts. In 2022, Morris County unveiled medals for Iraq and Afghanistan. These honors are presented to veterans who served honorably and helped make our nation and Morris County a better place to live.
Several Parsippany residents were honored. They included:
Gary R. Martin
Gary Martin
Mr. Martin is a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1974 to 1978. He is a Vietnam-era and post-Vietnam-era veteran who receives the National Defense Service Ribbon and is a naval pistol sharpshooter.
Mr. Martin is also a graduate of the Morris and Essex Police Academy and served his community as a police officer. He is also a 32-degree Master Mason and past Masonic Shrine clown.
Edward W. D’Angelo, (posthumous)
A veteran whose military service spanned 43 years. Unfortunately, Mr. D’Angelo passed away in 2009.
Mr. D’Angelo was a career Naval Officer who enlisted with the U.S. Navy before his 17th birthday and served on active duty during the Korean War. He rose to Chief Petty Officer as a Seabee and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer-4.
His many awards were two National Defense Service Medals, three Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medals, and three Armed Forces Reserve Medals.
He continued to serve in the Naval Reserve while working as an electrician until 1990. He also served as a Morris County Deputy Sheriff and a Parsippany Police Department Special Officer.
This veteran also proudly raised five children, four of whom graduated from Penn State University.
Edward J. D’Angelo
Son of Edward W. D’Angelo and brother to Michael F. D’Angelo, he is also a decorated career naval officer. Mr. D’Angelo served in the Navy from 1986 until 2016 and is a veteran of Panama, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Haiti, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He attended Penn State and participated in Naval ROTC as a Midshipman from 1982 to 1986. He was commissioned as an Ensign and qualified as a Naval Aviator.
Mr. D’Angelo has flown over 4,000 hours, mostly in helicopters, and has completed ten overseas deployments, eight on aircraft carriers. He is credited with 15 life-saving rescues, including a dangerous ocean rescue during Hurricane Floyd.
His impressive resume also is on our website. But let me note Mr. D’Angelo was promoted to Captain, and his awards include 3 Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, and 5 Navy Commendations.
Mr. D’Angelo is happily married, living in Florida, and is a proud father of twins.
Michael D’Angelo
A Morris Catholic graduate, Lt. Commander D’Angelo served in the U.S. Navy for 40 years from 1982 to 2022, and earned roughly 50 special military honors and awards for that service.
Michael D’Angelo
He began his career as a Naval Air Crewman on various aircraft carriers supporting escorts for re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers, Iranian retaliatory strikes, and operations in Libya.
Although heft active duty in 1986, he joined the Naval Reserve, was recalled on 9/11, and was commissioned a Naval Cryptologic Officer in 2003.
His deployments included Afghanistan, and his many assignments included the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, commanding the Navy Operational Support Center in Pennsylvania, working in the Pentagon, serving on the Chief of Naval Operations staff, serving the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Navy Personnel Command in Tennessee.
Michael’s son, David, is a Chief Petty Officer and Navy Seabee Diver.
Joel Lebowitz
Joel Lebowitz
A veteran of the U.S. Army and New Jersey National Guard who served from 1970 to 1999 during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
He receives the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He was awarded the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, New Jersey Ribbon of Merit, New Jersey Governor Award, National Guard Unit Strength, and NJ Meritorious Service Medal.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bloomfield College and was CEO of Wayne Camera Center. He is a member of the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, and a Master Mason.
Joel and his wife Sharon have been married for 55 years. They have one son and two grandsons.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, and Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon joined other county and state officials in honoring 11 graduating Morris County Recovery Court program participants.
The Recovery Court graduation ceremony was held at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy on May 23, 2023. Graduations are typically held twice a year.
The ceremony was presided over by Superior Court Judge Robert Hanna and Col. Callahan was a special guest speaker. Other addresses included Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, Judge Michael E. Hubner, Prosecutor Carroll, Sheriff Gannon, Alumni Association President Charles Johnson, and Deputy Public Defender Susan McCoy.
Operating within the Superior Court, the Recovery Court program was established to offer non-violent drug offenders treatment instead of incarceration. Individuals undergo a rigorous program in five phases intensive probation supervision, frequent drug testing, and virtual court appearances. This level of supervision permits the program to support the recovery process but also allows supervisors to react quickly to impose appropriate therapeutic sanctions or to reinstate criminal proceedings when participants do not comply. Suppose the individuals complete the program and reach graduation. In that case, they pay their fines and restitution. They can apply to have certain convictions expunged, offering them an opportunity to re-enter society as a citizen without the stigma of such a conviction.
Previously named Drug Court, the program began in Camden and Essex counties in 1996 and expanded statewide in April 2002 when Morris and Sussex’s counties joined.
The Recovery Court program in Morris County has 95 participants.
PARSIPPANY — The ground-breaking ceremony for the District at 15fifteen mixed-use development along Route 10 marks an important milestone in the project. It signifies the official start of construction and indicates that the development is moving forward.
The construction of 498 multi-family homes and retail spaces at Parsippany’s District at 1515 is a significant development for the area. This new project will positively impact the local economy and provide additional housing options for residents.
The project replaces two defunct office buildings, the former Intel Corporate Center. The buildings encompass 288,742 vacant square feet just west of Route 287. The buildings were purchased by Stanbery in 2015.
The District at 15fifteen will feature approximately 60,000 square feet of high-end and local retailers, full and quick-service restaurants, boutique fitness and specialty services, and a 498-unit luxury apartment community.
“District at 15fifteen” is a joint venture of Stanbery Development Group, Claremont Development, and PCCP, LLC has broken ground on The District at 15fifteen, a master-planned, mixed-use development in the heart of Morris County. New York Life Insurance Company is providing the construction loan for the project.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the District at 15fifteen mixed-use development along Route 10 marks an important milestone in the project.Dignitaries joining the groundbreaking included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio; Council President Loretta Gragnani; Council Vice President Michael dePierro; Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus; Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill; Parsippany Economic Development Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta; Parsippany Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally; President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher; President Morris County Economic Development Alliance Craig Schlosser; Director of Business Resources Morris County EDC – Executive Director Ed Ramirez; Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Nicolas Limanov; Former Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman; and Parsippany Economic Development members Adam Kandil, Scott Donnelly, Drew Blind, Michael Pulsinelli, Nick Rafanello, and Jigar Shah. Also in attendance was Parsippany High School Intern Tejas Kommuri—photo by Peter Dant Photography.
Located at 1515 Route 10, The District at 15fifteen will feature approximately 60,000 square feet of high-end and local retailers, full and quick-service restaurants, boutique fitness and specialty services, and a 498-unit luxury apartment community. The three-building, streetscape-style complex will serve as a one-of-a-kind destination that encourages community gatherings with year-round programmings such as farmer’s markets, music in the park, food trucks, and family movie nights.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio-Photo by Peter Dant Photography.
“By bringing new job, commercial, and housing opportunities to Parsippany, this exciting project takes a stagnant property and creates unique and vibrant possibilities that are part of the fabric making Parsippany one of the best places to live, work, and play in New Jersey,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio.
Mark Pottschmidt. Co-Founder/Partner, Development Stanbery Development Group-Photo by Peter Dant PhotographyMorris County Commissioner John Krickus presented a plaque from the Morris County Commissioners at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction project at Parsippany’s District at 1515. Pictured is Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Graganani, Krickus, Mark Pottschmidt, Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Meyer, Mayor James Barberio, and Council Vice President Michael dePierro. Photo by Peter Dant Photography
The District at 15fifteen will feature 498 thoughtfully designed luxury rental homes, including 42 affordable and 49 age-restricted units for residents 55 and over. Spread across two buildings and comprising a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom units, phase one will be a four-story, wood-framed building with two exterior courtyards, and phase two will be a five-story, wood-framed building wrapping an 853-space parking deck with one exterior courtyard. An additional 209 surface parking spaces will also be available with the option of valet parking. Both areas will serve the entire development, offering residents, retail customers, and visitors easy access.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher-Photo by Peter Dant Photography
The District at 15fifteen will feature high-end interior finishes and amenitized common spaces tailored to the work-from-home lifestyle. Residents will enjoy access to a full suite of resort-style, modern amenities, including a fitness center, yoga studio, pool, lounge area, conference center, co-working/work-from-home options, and dog spa. The 49 age-restricted units will also have access to their private lobby and amenities, including a fitness center, co-working area, party room, and roof deck.
“Over the last several years, we have seen Parsippany, and specifically the stretch of Route 10 between Interstate 287 and Route 202, experience an immense transformation with an influx of national retail, restaurant, and hotel options aimed at serving both residents and the large daytime worker population in Morris County,” said Marc Hays, Partner, Acquisitions, and Leasing at Stanbery Development Group. “We, alongside our partners at Claremont Development and PCCP, saw an opportunity to cater to that growing need and anchor this bustling section of the Route 10 corridor with not only a high-quality, mixed-use environment but a new, vibrant town center that cannot be found anywhere else in the region.”
The “pedestrian first” town center design of The District at 15fifteen will provide access for vehicles as well as pedestrian crosswalks that create a livable and walkable design for locals, visitors, and the tens of thousands of workers whose headquarters and offices can be found in the area, including Wyndham Worldwide, Avis/Budget Group, Tiffany & Co. and Zoetis, among others.
“As young working professionals continue to seek accommodations in nearby urban centers, suburban-based companies have been challenged with attracting and retaining a talented workforce,” said Maximilian Dorne, Partner at Claremont Development. “The District at 15fifteen will provide the amenities and modern living options millennials crave and serve as a significant tool for attracting and retaining a qualified pool of employees and employers in Parsippany and the surrounding area. The ability to seamlessly walk to the community’s commercial core for a cup of coffee, morning yoga class, business lunch, or dinner and drinks with friends caters to this group and the active lifestyles of 55 and older residents. The District at 15fifteen has something for everyone.”
The District at 15fifteen has been approved by the New Jersey Department of Transportation to complete roadway improvements that will enhance vehicular circulation to both Route 10 East and West, as well as provide a tie-in to the Dryden Way jug handle. The road improvement will directly connect to the Dryden Way ramps at Route 10 and to the office park immediately across Route 10, formerly known as the Mack-Cali office park, without hitting a traffic light. The direct connection will provide a regional benefit by removing vehicle trips through the intersection of Route 10 and Route 202 while opening an alternative point of access for several other commercial properties.
Former Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman with Mark Pottschmidt. Co-Founder/Partner, Development Stanbery Development Group
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio; Council President Loretta Gragnani; Council Vice President Michael dePierro; Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus; Morris County Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill; Parsippany Economic Development Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta; Parsippany Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally; President & CEO Morris County Chamber of Commerce Meghan Hunscher; President Morris County Economic Development Alliance Craig Schlosser; Director of Business Resources Morris County EDC – Executive Director Ed Ramirez; Board Member Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Nicolas Limanov; Former Parsippany Business Administrator Ellen Sandman; and Parsippany Economic Development members Adam Kandil, Scott Donnelly, Drew Blind, Michael Pulsinelli, Nick Rafanello, and Jigar Shah. Also in attendance was Parsippany High School Intern Tejas Kommuri.
The first move-ins are slated for Fall 2024, with the retail and restaurant portions slated for completion in Fall 2025.
To learn more about The District at 15fifteen, click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Memorial Day Parade in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills on Monday, May 29 is definitely something to look forward to. With the event starting at 12:00 noon, attendees will have the opportunity to pay tribute to and remember the brave individuals who have served in the military.
The parade will take place on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha. It’s a great way for the community to unite and show support for those who have sacrificed for their country.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert M. McNally, and Morris Township Chief Robert Shearer confirmed the sentencing of Michael Rave, 54, formerly of Morris Township, now residing in Pennsville Township.
On January 31, Rave pled guilty to one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of CSAM), a third-degree crime, and one count of Criminal Sexual Contact, a fourth-degree crime.
The investigation began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), referencing video files depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation revealed that the defendant also possessed numerous videos of himself engaged in an online chat website called “Omegle,” wherein he exposed himself to several 14-year-old victims. The victims in these instances have been identified by law enforcement.
Rave was sentenced on May 19 by the Honorable Noah Franzblau J.S.C. to a two-year period of probation, continued sex offender therapy, and community notification under Megan’s Law.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank the Morris Township Police Department, Department of Homeland Security, Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT), New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in the investigation, arrest, and conviction of this defendant.
Dear Editor:
