Motorist charged with DWI at 9:47 a.m.

PARSIPPANY —  While patroling Route 46, on Monday, May 18 at 9:47 a.m., Traffic Officer P. Levi observed a 1998 white 4 door Mercury failing to maintain the lane of travel.

Officer Levi conducted a motor vehicle stop upon the driver, Mr. Victor Barbetta, 46, Caldwell, at 745 Route 46. After a brief investigation, and with assistance from assisting Patrol Officers R. Appel and G. Bloete, Mr. Barbetta was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Mr. Barbetta was transported to the Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing. He was issued summonses for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Careless Driving and Driving While Intoxicated. Mr. Barbetta was released from headquarters pending a court appearance.

 

200 Club of Morris County Awards Scholarships

The 200 Club of Morris County, an organization of area businesspeople working to support first responders, awarded scholarships to 20 graduating high school seniors. The recipients are all children of police officers, firefighters or emergency medical technicians.

“The 200 Club works hard to support those who keep us safe,” said Lou Nisivoccia, president of the club. “We’re well known for our Valor Awards, given to public safety people who risk their lives, and for the support we give to widows and orphans of those who die in the line of duty. But giving this scholarship is one of the joyful things we do.”

The $5,000 scholarships were won by 20 seniors who demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their studies. To be eligible, students must demonstrate excellence in academic performance, community service and extracurricular activities. Financial need also is taken into consideration.

Winners this year are:

    • Farah Randelia, Parsipanny. Public safety affiliation: EMS
    • Anastasia M. Bohon, Boonton. Public safety affiliation: fire service
    • Elizabeth M. Boyle, Riverdale. Public safety affiliation: fire service
    • Eva R. Cavanaugh, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
    • Kevin Cortright, Whippany. Public safety affiliation: fire service
    • Abigail J. Davidson, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
    • Dana N. Demnitz, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: police
    • Jenna M. DeVincenzo, Caldwell. Public safety affiliation: police
    • Kaileigh E. Estler, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service
    • Nicholas P. Karr, Morris Plains. Public safety affiliation: fire service & EMS
    • Patrick A. Kennedy, Hackettstown. Public safety affiliation: police
    • Casey Krickus, Long Valley. Public safety affiliation: EMS
    • Alexi S. Martin, Oak Ridge. Public safety affiliation: EMS
    • John K. McNamara III, Morristown. Public safety affiliation: police
    • Kelsey M. Muir, Woodland Park. Public safety affiliation: State Police
    • Nicole Pascale, Randolph. Public safety affiliation: police
    • Olivia P. Polise, Chatham. Public safety affiliation: EMS
    • Hope E. Schwartz, Stanhope. Public safety affiliation: police
    • Sarah Serafino, Oak Ridge. Public safety affiliation: EMS
    • Andrew Robert Vex, Rockaway. Public safety affiliation: fire service

“The parents of these children put their lives on the line to protect us,” said Nisivoccia. “These scholarships are a way to thank them and to assure that we’ll have well-educated, excellent leaders needed to assure a safe and secure society in the future.”

Winners received their awards Monday, May 11 at the Zeris Inn, Mountain Lakes.

The annual scholarship is open to children with a parent actively serving with or retired from a Morris County police department, fire department, ambulance squad, the New Jersey State Police or as a paramedic with a Morris County-based hospital. Students whose parents are actively serving with a federal or state law enforcement agency also are eligible, as are students who, themselves, volunteer as firefighters or EMTs.

Children may be planning to attend college or post-high school vocational school.

The 200 Club began sponsoring the scholarships in 1982. Since then, hundreds of students have received the awards.

Founded in 1971, the club has distributed more than $4 million in benefits to police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services workers and their families.

Benefits take the form of survivor benefits to the families who have lost a spouse who was a first-responder and scholarships that have been awarded to children of emergency workers in Morris County. The organization also recognizes the valor of local heroes with an annual award program. Information about membership in the 200 Club and its programs is available by calling (732) 279-4258 or by clicking on http://200clubofmorriscounty.com.

Mary Chapin Carpenter to perform at Mayo Center

MORRISTOWN —Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and 2012 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Mary Chapin Carpenter will perform an intimate, acoustic performances at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $29-59.

The tour marks Carpenter’s return to singing both timeless hits and deep cuts from her expansive and beloved 13-album catalog after performing with orchestras in early 2014. Carpenter will be joined on stage by longtime friends Jon Carroll (piano) and John Doyle (guitars, bouzouki).

Carpenter has spent the past year performing alongside world-renowned orchestras since the release of her debut orchestral album, Songs From the Movie (Zoë /Rounder), which was conducted and arranged by six-time Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza. Carpenter’s world debut orchestral concert took place on January 24 at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In March, she performed two milestone concerts at New York’s Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Mr. Mendoza, and was joined by special guests Joan Baez, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Douglas, Tift Merritt and Aoife O’Donovan.

Over the course of her career, Carpenter has sold over 13 million records. With hits like “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” she has won five Grammy Awards (with 15 nominations), two CMA awards and two Academy of Country Music awards for her vocals. Her songs speak to the most personal of life’s details and the most universal.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2014-2015 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

‘Melrose Place’ actress doesn’t have to turn over financial records in DWI death case

SOMERVILLE — An Appellate Court ruled Monday that actress Amy Locane-Bovenizer and her husband do not have to turn over their financial records to determine if she’s eligible for a public defender until the courts hear her appeal in a vehicular homicide case, according to a report on MyCentralJersey.com. Locane-Bovenizer, a former actress who was featured…

Kings Food Markets Announces The Return Of Its Just Picked Promise Program

PARSIPPANY — Kings Food Markets is excited to bring back its exclusive 24 Hour Just Picked Promise this summer, beginning on Friday, May 22. The program is designed to bring Kings’ customers locally grown, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs within 24 hours of being picked – giving shoppers the benefits of a local farm stand in the convenience of their neighborhood food markets.

“Each summer, we look forward to bringing the Just Picked Promise Program to our customers,” said Judy Spires, president and CEO of Kings Food Markets. “This exclusive program allows us to deliver the freshest produce available from our shoppers’ local community. As soon as customers see the Just Picked Promise seal, they know they are purchasing high quality products just like what they find at their local produce stand.”

kings-logoKings works with a network of more than 25 regional farmers – in towns such as Vineland, Mullica Township, Swedesboro, LandisvilleBuena, Hammonton, Newfield, Medford, New Lisbon and Millmay – to deliver all of its Just Picked produce fresh to Kings stores within 24 hours of being hand-picked. Local farmers supplying the program select only the freshest, seasonal products in the morning, and through an expedited distribution process, they are delivered to Kings’ stores and prepared for sale the next day. The program is unique to Kings and was developed in partnership with Massachusetts-based Red Tomato, a non-profit organization committed to better connecting farmers and consumers.

“Freshness equals time,” said Paul Kneeland, vice president of Produce, Meat, Seafood and Floral for Kings Food Markets. “That’s why we are so proud to bring back our 24 hour Just Picked Promise. Our growers are committed to bringing the freshest, highest quality local produce to our stores every delivery.”

Kings customers looking to support local farmers and buy the freshest produce available can look for the 24 Hour Just Picked Promise seal in Kings’ stores. The items available at each store will vary daily; although, customers can expect to find such summer staples as arugula, basil, cilantro, lettuce, squash, mint, blueberries, cucumbers, kale and tomatoes with the Just Picked Promise.

The program will run in Kings stores Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

About Kings Food Markets
An upscale market chain serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, Kings provides a unique shopping experience paired with the highest quality foods. From locally sourced, organically grown produce, to hand-selected cheeses from over 20 countries, Kings seeks to bring exceptional gourmet items to shoppers in all of the company’s locations. The in-store experience is enhanced by Kings’ associates, all of whom are passionate about food and eager to help customers create the perfect meal.

Kings is based at 700 Lanidex Plaza and has 25 stores serving the region.

The closest stores to Parsippany are located in Morristown, Boonton, Florham Park and Livingston.

Red Tomato: Fresh Produce. Fresh Thinking.
A non-profit organization founded in 1996, Plainville, MA-based Red Tomato works with a network of Northeast fruit and vegetable farms to bring farm-fresh, local produce to consumers throughout the region.  Their mission is to connect farmers and consumers through marketing, trade, and education, and through a passionate belief that a family-farm, locally-based, ecological, fair trade food system is the way to a better tomato. Visit them on the web at www.redtomato.org.

Letter to the editor: Uber a safe, economic transportation choice

lettersDear Editor:

As an Uber X driving partner, I have several comments and concerns regarding ride-sharing services and to the current state of legislation regarding ride-sharing services in New Jersey, i.e., S2742 and A3765.

It is a well-known fact that many New Jersey residents struggle to obtain employment or to earn an adequate living and that public transportation and taxi service is limited or non-existent in many parts of the state. Furthermore, there are persons who choose not to or cannot obtain a driver’s license and those who cannot afford the costs associated with owning, maintaining, and insuring an automobile.

Uber X makes it possible for many of its driving partners to earn an adequate income or to help make ends meet. According to a recent article there are approximately 7,500 Uber drivers in New Jersey. Uber X provides quick pick-up times and an economical solution for those seeking dependable transportation. Persons whom I have transported have been overwhelmingly positive about Uber and have commented that taxi service, if available, can require long wait time for pick-up, high costs, fare gouging, and vehicles that are generally not as clean as Uber X partner vehicles.

With regard to the aforementioned legislation, my overall concern is that its impact will be to make it cost prohibitive for ride-sharing services to operate in New Jersey thus creating a hardship for many of its citizens as previously mentioned. Another real concern is that the number of persons driving while intoxicated will increase because alternative transportation will be limited or non-existent, thereby increasing threats to public safety and its associated costs. I will leave the speculation regarding this legislation being driven (pun intended) by insurance companies and other special interest groups to others.

It is my hope that rather than passing reactionary laws regarding ride-sharing services, all concerned parties can engage in an objective, intelligent, and informed dialogue that results in any future legislation being a win-win solution for all.

Michael Chenkin, Bridgewater

Update: Body found inside burning car

PARSIPPANY — There’s a mystery after a body was found inside a burning car on Lake Shore Drive, around noon on Monday, May 18.

It’s still not clear what happened and the body has not been identified.

The Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine exactly how the person died.

Police responded to the scene of a minivan fire on Lake Shore Drive in the Lake Parsippany section of the township. Morris County Prosecutors Office and Morris County Sheriff Department investigated the scene along with the Parsippany Police Department.

All photos (c) Parsippany Focus, 2015 by Nicolas Limanov

Three car accident on Parsippany Road; one driver treated for pain

PARSIPPANY — Mr. Dennis Hartley, 37, was traveling South on Parsippany Road and stopped at the intersection of Alexander Avenue to make a left turn. Mr. Chandraka Mehta, 75, was traveling behind Mr. Hartley and stopped, when Mr. Richard Cattafi, 67, struck Mr. Mehta’s vehicle, and then Mr. Mehta’s vehicle struck Mr. Hartley.

Mr. Cattafi was driving a 2006 Subaru; Mr. Mehta was driving at 2012 Toyota and Mr. Hartley was driving a 2003 Ford Pick-Up.

Mr. Mehta’s vehicle was towed from the scene by Corigliano Towing.

No summons were issued at the time of this story.

Mr. Mehta was complaining of pain and was treated by Parsippany Emergency Medical Services at the scene.

PHHS Key Club visits Kiwanis Club

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Parsippany Hills High School Key Club visited the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany for breakfast on Thursday, May 14.  The members gave a review of their yearly activities they participated in.

Some of the events the PHHS Key Club organized was the Bake Sale. The Key Clubbers brought in their baked goods for sale. They organized a Senior Citizen Dinner: This is one of the biggest service projects of the year. They served senior citizens an Italian dinner and then they presented a show. They offered Lake Intervale School Babysitting. They raised money and visited the Children’s Specialized Hospital. As per its usual Valentine’s Day celebration, Key Club packed candy bags for each Parsippany Hills High School administrator, teacher, adviser, aid, and employee. With several Key Club volunteers, over 10 bags of chocolates and candy, and 180 mini packages of candy delivered, Key Club plans on continuing its small acts of service for the many years to come.

Kiwanis Advisors Ron Orthwein and Davey Willans, along with Kiwanis President Mimi Letts is pictured with the students from the Parsippany Hills Key Club. The PHHS Key Club Advisor is Bonnie Sturm.

Executive Board: President: Stephanie Datri; Vice President: Lindsey Magbitang;  Treasurer: Rebecca Ho; Corres. Secretary: Ryan Stensgaard; Recording Secretary: Patricia Kou; Editor: Vanessa Ting; Editor: Arpan Bhavsar; Historian: Catherine Mow;  Historian: Kim Aldana;  Webmaster: Eva Cavanaugh;  Committees: Neena Andican; and Committees: Sneha Patwardhan.

Key Club International, the oldest and largest service leadership organization for teens, teaches leadership through service to others. Key Club’s 267,000 members build themselves as they build their schools and communities. Key Club’s 5,000 clubs thrive in 30 nations in North America, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Service and fundraising
By performing more than 12 million service hours each year, Key Club members make a difference in their communities and the world, organizing a variety of service projects, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club, district and international levels.

Key Club encourages volunteering and fundraising for partners March of Dimes, UNICEF and the Children’s Miracle Network. Key Club members are currently raising funds for The Eliminate Project, a joint effort of the Kiwanis family and UNICEF to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the face of the Earth.

 

Three Parsippany residents earn degrees at Lehigh University

Connor Luther
Connor Luther

PARSIPPANY — More than 1,900 Lehigh University students were awarded bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees during the 147th Spring 2015 Commencement ceremonies at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, PA.

Connor Luther of Mt Tabor, received a B S in Environmental Engineer

Meghan Barwick of Parsippany, received a Bachelor of Arts

Shijue Wang of Parsippany,  received a Master of Science

For 150 years, Lehigh University (lehigh.edu) has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research.

The institution is among the nation’s most selective, highly ranked private research universities. Lehigh’s four colleges – College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics, College of Education and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science – provide opportunities to 7,000 students to discover and grow in a learning community that promotes interdisciplinary programs with real-world experience.