PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills School District has implemented an exciting Senior Internship Program, which allows senior students to participate in an off-site in-depth learning experience during the last five weeks of the school year.
This year one hundred students between Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School will report directly to internship sites from May 15 to June 16 and work a minimum of twenty hours per week.
The program’s goal is for students to fully explore career interests, connect with local mentors and gain invaluable work experience. More information about the program can be found by clicking here.
PTHSD actively seeks local businesses and individuals willing to mentor our students and provide them with shadowing opportunities. Internship mentors serve as role models, trainers, and advisors for our students, which can be an incredibly rewarding experience both personally and professionally. Our outstanding seniors are interested in pursuing careers and connecting with professionals in all areas of arts and entertainment, business, computer science, construction, cybersecurity, education, engineering, healthcare, health sciences, hospitality, information technology, media, product design, and manufacturing, public service, real estate, travel and tourism, and more. An FAQ document for internship mentors can be found by clicking here.
If you work for a local business and are interested in learning more about Parsippany’s Senior Internship Program, please complete this questionnaire or feel free to reach out to program coordinators – Chrissy Russell (CRussell@pthsd.net) and Liz O’Boyle (EOBoyle@pthsd.net).
PARSIPPANY — Alberto Vega, a graduate of Parsippany High School, has completed an extensive Policy Analyst Fellowship with the legislative office of Assemblywoman Aura Dunn. Assemblywoman Dunn’s office is in Chester, serving the constituents of Legislative District 25 in New Jersey. Vega is also a Graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Alberto is a first-generation college student and a quiet young man. Alberto cut through the noisy political world, proving that making a difference in public office is about doing the hard work of compassion. Alberto worked diligently to contribute to the enhancement of operations and, ultimately, the services provided to the 230,000 residents of the district.
Alberto released the following statement about his time with Assemblywoman Aura K. Dunn:
“I started interning for Assemblywoman Aura Dunn in October, and I have learned a tremendous amount in the past few months. This experience has given me a glimpse of what a future government career looks like.
One interesting part of my job was researching the various important subjects that concern the 25 legislative districts. I also enjoyed assisting the Assemblywoman and her staff by gathering news articles that were relevant to the district. Another responsibility I had included the opportunity to draft commemorative citations for well-deserving citizens in the area.
The longer I worked as an intern, the deeper my understanding of the district’s needs grew. At this point, I have memorized every municipality in the district.
This internship has given me months of valuable experience that will only help further my plans for a career in either the public or private sectors. I want to thank Assemblywoman Aura Dunn for giving me this opportunity. I am truly grateful for my time in her office.
I look forward to applying all that I learned in the District Office in my future.”
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany High School FTC (First Tech Challenge) team “Redbots” has made it to the state-level competition after a successful performance in the regional competition on Saturday, February 4.
The Redbots
The team was awarded the “Design Award” and was named a Finalist Alliance Award recipient, highlighting their hard work and dedication to building a strong robot game.
Throughout the year, the “Redbots” team has been committed to promoting STEM education and awareness through various outreach initiatives and mentoring of a local FLL (FIRST Lego League) team. The team’s passion for STEM is evident in their commitment to their craft, and they are now seeking support from the community to continue their efforts.
Donations to the “Redbots” FTC team are tax-deductible and can be made through their 501(c)(3) setup.
Checks can be made payable to “PHS Redbots Supporters” and mailed to 24 Midvale Avenue, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07054. The EIN# for tax deductions is #82-5416292.
In addition to seeking support, the “Redbots” team is also looking to recruit new members for the upcoming season. It encourages graduating middle and high school students to consider joining the club. This is a great opportunity for young students to pursue their passions for STEM/Robotics and be part of a team dedicated to promoting STEM education and awareness.
The Parsippany High School FTC team “Redbots.”
The Parsippany High School FTC team “Redbots” should be congratulated on their outstanding performance at the recent competition. The team’s commitment to promoting STEM education and their passion for their craft is truly inspiring, and we wish them the best of luck as they move forward in the competition.
PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, January 18, at 4:43 p.m. Ms. Sanjna Katyal, 52, was stopped in her 2022 Tesla 3, facing west at the traffic signal (in the left straight lane) on the off-ramp of Route 287 South at the intersection of Parsippany Boulevard.
Ms. Gail Altenkirch, 74, driving a 2017 Honda CRV, was traveling north on Parsippany Boulevard, approaching the intersection of Route 287 South off-ramp and Waterview Boulevard.
Ms. Gail Altenkirch, driving a 2017 Honda CRV
A witness to the crash, Gina Simmons, was in the right straight lane on the off-ramp of Route 287 South, immediately to the right of Ms. Katyal’s vehicle. Simmons stated Katyal was stopped at the red light next to her, and both vehicles proceeded forward into the intersection when the light turned green.
Simmons stated that when Ms. Altenkirch entered the intersection perpendicularly at a high rate of speed, running the red light on Parsippany Boulevard. Katyal then crashed into the passenger side of Ms. Altenkirch, causing the vehicle to lose control and roll over multiple times, coming to rest on the side of Parsippany Boulevard.
Simmons stated that Katyal stopped briefly and slowly drove away from the crash scene, heading west on Waterview Boulevard.
Ms. Katyal was later stopped by police in Denville, stating that she didn’t see Altenkirch coming as she entered the intersection on the green light and then left the scene to pick up her son from school.
Altenkirch and her passenger both stated they did not recall the events of the crash or those leading up to it, but Altenkkirch stated before reaching the intersection, she was traveling at a high rate of speed.
Drivers’ and Witnesses’ statements and physical evidence at the scene showed that Altenkirch’s failure to observe a traffic control device and careless driving caused the crash.
McCarter’s Towing Company towed Ms. Katyal’s vehicle, and Ms. Altenkirch’s vehicle was removed from the scene by Corigilno Towing Company.
Ms. Katyal was issued a summons for (39:4-129A) Leaving the Scene of an Accident and (39:3-44) Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations.
Ms. Altenkirch was issued a summons for (39:4-81) Observance Traffic Signals and (39:4-97) Careless Driving.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Adam Clark investigated the accident.
PARSIPPANY — One person died, and three others were injured early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle accident on Interstate-80.
According to NJ Police Sargent Philip Curry, the early morning collision occurred at 2:41 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-80 near mile marker 43.8.
The incident happened when a Lexus RX3 collided with a westbound Chevrolet Corvette driven by 29-year-old Luis Ramirez-Cano, of Bogota.
Ramirez-Cano was ejected in the crash and sadly died from his injuries. A passenger in the Corvette sustained unspecified injuries and was taken to Morristown Medical Center for treatment.
The driver of the Lexus sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. The passenger of the Lexus sustained minor non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Saint Clare’s, Denville.
The crash remains under investigation.
Parsippany Focus will update this article as additional details become available.
PARSIPPANY — Supporting educational enrichment in the township, the Parsippany Education Foundation funded 14 innovative programs during the ’22-’23 school year.
Spanning robotics, life skills, science, music, and art, proposals were developed by teachers, approved by principals, and evaluated by the Foundation based on their ability to contribute to a positive, dynamic learning environment.
Parsippany High School’s two robotics teams, the Redbots, and the Techhawks, received grants funding a 3-D printer and a variety of parts to use on their robots. The 3-D printer will be used to print 3-D parts like the claw they use to pick up cones in their FIRST Tech Challenge competitions.
“Our students design these parts, and it will be wonderful to have a printer on-site for them to print out the parts right away. At our last meeting, the Redbots were the First Place Alliance Captains. Our tournament is coming up in February, and we hope to qualify for our States competition in March. Thank you, PEF, for our grants; we could not do this without your support!” said Kathy Effner, Redbots Team Advisor, and Math Department Lead Teacher.
A check for $19,880 was presented to the Parsippany Board of Education by Foundation former President Stella Gizas, along with board member Gayle Strauss, on January 5.
“The Board of Education thanks the Parsippany Education Foundation for their direct support and generosity toward our Parsippany teachers. The amazing projects being funded this year range from field trips to Science Under the Stars, One School, One Book, and many more. The teachers who submit their innovative grant ideas are to be applauded, as well as the community support of the Parsippany Education Foundation fundraisers throughout the year,” said Timothy Berrios, Parsippany Board of Education President.
“I know I speak for all of our board members when I say that we love the opportunity to review our school district staff’s innovative and creative ideas. We appreciate the time it takes to put together these grant proposals to benefit their students. It is a joy to encourage students in their educational journey by awarding these grants to our district. We feel so blessed to be able to give back to a fabulous community of educators,” said Andrew Ladas, Parsippany Educational Foundation President.
The Parsippany Educational Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to enrich the opportunities and experiences of students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. The Foundation has contributed over $370,000 to the district raised through private donors, its annual spring golf outing to be held on May 16, and events held throughout the year. Its Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners. For more information, the Foundation may be reached at www.PEF4Kids.com and pef4kids@aol.com.
MORRIS COUNTY — Amit Bhatt, a former Parsippany-Troy Hills resident, was convicted after a three-day trial. The married 43-year-old accountant still faces a charge of possessing child porn in Bergen County.
A Morris County jury found Amit Bhatt guilty of all charges related to an aggravated sexual assault that occurred on October 28, 2017, in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township.
The guilty verdict was reached following a three-day trial on January 27. The defendant was found guilty of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, second-degree Sexual Assault, and third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
A sentencing date has been scheduled for March 17 before the Honorable Ralph Amirata, J.S.C. The defendant will remain in custody until that time and was detained on Bergen County charges involving the possession of child sexual abuse material yesterday. At sentencing, the Aggravated Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault convictions are subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA), which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence imposed.
As the Jessica Lunsford Act requires, the defendant must receive a sentence between 25 years and life imprisonment. He must serve 25 years or more before becoming eligible for parole on the Aggravated Sexual Assault charge.
The charges arose from an incident that occurred on October 28, 2017, in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, wherein the defendant performed sex acts on and touched the inner thigh of an eight-year-old child. Members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit investigated the incident after being notified of the victim’s disclosure by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office on January 11, 2022.
Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation which led to the successful guilty verdict, including the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit. The Prosecutor also credited the Trial Team, Assistant Prosecutor Vanessa I. Craveiro and Assistant Prosecutor Taylor Sharofsky, with their professional and dedicated service; and commended MCPO Sex Crimes & Child Endangerment Unit Detective Sergeant Lydia Negron and Detective Lamar Hagans, and Detective Jermaine Pledger of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, and all others who contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution in this case.
MORRIS COUNTY — After 18 years of service in law enforcement, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker has announced his retirement. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, and Deputy Chief of Detectives Robert McNally honored Chief Kimker for his exemplary service and expressed their gratitude to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on his last day.
Deputy Chief Robert McNally, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief Christoph Kimker, and First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood
Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, municipal police departments, and county officials held a walk-out ceremony for Chief Kimker at the Morris County Administration Building.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Chris Kimker has been an outstanding Chief of Detectives. My decision to appoint him to that position was based upon a long history of quality investigative work, integrity, and dedication that, by any measure, stands as a high-water mark of police professionalism. The MCPO is a better law enforcement agency because of Chris’ leadership and hard work. The Morris County Chiefs Association often remarked that Chris answered any time of day or night they called – the mark of a caring and dedicated public servant. Equally important, he has been a good man and a loyal friend to all of us and will be sorely missed. We wish him the absolute best in all his future endeavors.”
First Assistant Prosecutor Calderwood said, “I have been fortunate to have been a colleague of Chief Kimker’s for almost two decades, but it has been the last two years that I have been truly honored to work beside him in Prosecutor Carroll’s administration. He has positively impacted the men and women of MCPO, and I thank him for all he has done over his long and productive career. I wish him the best in his retirement!”
Sheriff James Gannon said, “I first met Chief Kimker when he started in Morris County in 1992. He was an environmental specialist. We were co-workers when he joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2004. Chris was a Lieutenant when I was elected to my first term as Morris County Sheriff. He is a great investigator and a tremendous leader, but I think his best trait is being a team builder based on his genuineness. The synergetic relationship we enjoy in Morris County between my Office, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Chiefs of Police is in no small way due to Chris’s kind demeanor and professional respect. We will all miss that but hope the next chapter is great, as it has been greatly earned!”
Mendham Township Police Chief Ross Johnson, 2023 President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, said, “On behalf of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association and myself, I want to wish Chief Kimker the best in his well-deserved retirement and starting the next chapter in his life. Chief Kimker has been the epitome of professionalism throughout his career and as he has ascended the ranks in the Prosecutor’s Office. I can safely say most every Chief in our Association, including myself, has worked with Chief Kimker at some point in their career and will tell you his dedication and compassion are second to none, along with his quick wit. He will be missed, and we all appreciate everything he has done for the county and assisting our departments.”
Chief Christoph Kimker Biography
Chief Christoph Kimker was raised in Mine Hill. He is an Eagle Scout and graduated from Morris Catholic High School in 1988.
He attended Seton Hall University, graduating in 1992 with a B.A. in Political Science and a Minor in US History. In 1995, he earned an M.A. in Environmental Management from Montclair State University.
In 1992, Chris was hired by the County of Morris as an Environmental Specialist, where he supervised the Environmental Services Unit. Among other responsibilities, the position included coordinating the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), and the Morris County Hazardous Material Team.
In October 2004, Chris was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office as a Detective and assigned to the Major Crimes Unit and the Arson / Environmental Crimes Unit. In June 2005, he was assigned to the Specialized Crimes Division with a supplemental assignment to the Arson / Environmental Crimes Unit. In May 2006, he was assigned full-time to the Arson / Environmental Crimes Unit. Between 2010 and 2014, Detective Kimker was assigned to investigate Arson / Environmental Crimes cases and Major Crimes cases.
In June 2013, Detective Kimker was promoted to Detective / Supervisor of the Arson / Environmental Crimes Unit. In June 2014, Detective / Supervisor Kimker was transferred to the Major Crimes Unit.
In February 2015, Detective / Supervisor Kimker was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Specialized Crimes Division, where he supervised the Division until August 2016. In August 2016, Sergeant Kimker was transferred to supervise the Major Crimes Unit.
In April 2017, Sergeant Kimker was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to the Specialized Crimes Division.
In August 2018, Lieutenant Kimker was promoted to the rank of Captain in charge of the Specialized Crimes Division and the Family Division.
On April 1, 2019, Captain Kimker was made Acting Chief of Detectives, and on January 24, 2021, he was sworn in as Chief of Detectives.
In addition to his regular assignments, Chief Kimker served as a member of the WMD Assessment Team, previous Team Leader and member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Rapid Deployment Team. He is also an Officer Firearms Instructor. Chief Kimker has completed numerous law enforcement training programs and is a member of several law enforcement organizations.
MORRIS COUNTY — Market Street Mission served 127,013 meals and provided 41,982 nights of safe shelter to its community guests and recovery program residents in 2022, along with the Sussex County location in Newton.
Forty-two men also graduated from the mission’s addiction recovery Life Change Program last year. This program is structured to offer mission residents mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing as they work to rebuild their lives and rejoin their families and communities.
As a private nonprofit organization, the mission relies on the charitable support of compassionate donors to fund its work and be able to offer its services free of charge to our neighbors in need.
“I know everyone in the New Year makes resolutions trying to better themselves, and here at the Mission, we just started a new Life Change Program Class,” said Patrick Tansey, Clinical and Outreach Director at the Market Street Mission and Jersey Shore Rescue Mission.
“The men are going to take classes like Chemical Dependency and Relapse Prevention, Anger Management, Fatherhood and Manhood, Christian Doctrine, Christian Finance, and Career Skills. We are excited to start the New Year and help these men lead sober, Christian lives. We thank everyone for their donations and look forward to bringing more updates this coming year.”
Anyone who needs help or knows someone who does can visit the mission at 9 Market Street, Morristown; call (973) 538-0431 or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will conduct four Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events in 2023. The dates are:
Saturday, May 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany
Saturday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany
Saturday, September 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany
Saturday, October 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Pequannock Valley Park, Marvin Road in Pompton Plains
Morris County residents can drop off unwanted hazardous materials from their households. Businesses are not allowed to participate.
Reminder, electronic devices (e-waste) will no longer be accepted at MCMUA one-day household hazardous waste events. The authority advises residents to call (973) 829-8006 for information and to discuss recycling options.
Acceptable materials include: aerosol cans, asbestos, automotive fluids, driveway sealant and roofing tar, fire extinguisher, gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel, household cleaning products, lead acid batteries, button cell batteries, lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable batteries, mercury-containing bulbs, devices, muriatic acid, oil-based paints, stains, lacquers, and varnishes, paint thinners, paint removers and solvents, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, photo chemicals, pool chemicals and propane tanks of 20 pounds or less.
Unacceptable items are: alkaline and carbon zinc batteries, business waste, compressed gas cylinders, containers larger than five gallons, empty containers, explosives, hhw generated outside of Morris County, highly reactive and unstable materials, medical waste, radioactive materials, smoke and carbon monoxide detector, unknown or unlabeled materials, used consumer electronics and water-based paint and latex paint.
For more information, call (973) 829-8006 or click here.
Parsippany High School’s two robotics teams, the Redbots, and the Techhawks, received grants funding a 3-D printer and a variety of parts to use on their robots. The 3-D printer will be used to print 3-D parts like the claw they use to pick up cones in their FIRST Tech Challenge competitions.
