All Parsippany residents and taxpayers who care about this township are overwhelmed by current inflationary conditions and want to lower tax and spending increases need to sign Councilman Musella’s petition to repeal the deeply unpopular Project Labor Agreement ordinance recently passed into law. We further encourage concerned residents to attend this Wednesday’s January 4 Town Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. to speak up.
We believe that free and open competition for our taxpayer-funded projects is best for the town—not for officials to pander to a chosen few special interest groups who want to strong-arm how and where our township money is spent.
We disagree with the Mayor and Town Council’s decision to mandate that all municipal construction projects costing over five million be subject to Project Labor Agreements. We also believe that the union’s campaign of harassment and intimidation of resident discussion directed toward opponents of this mandate is unacceptable and deplorable. If the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills leadership will not protect those who dissent from the majority on this (or any civil topic), leadership is complicit in the suppression of public speaking and acting not in the best interests of the people of Parsippany.
All these reasons, along with the well-documented disastrous effects that PLA’s have caused where implemented, is exactly why the time is now for it to be repealed.
Signed by the following Parsippany Residents:
Mary Purzycki
Anthony Longo Annette Terrone
Raymond Gallup Susan Petrovic
Hank Heller Bob Venezia
Elaine Gavalyas
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Focus recaps the year in review based on what stories received the most views from our readers. There were 775 stories published in 2022. A timeline of 2022’s most important news stories includes “Controversial Union Ordinance Brings out the Masses” and “Houlihan’s Abruptly Closed Its Doors.” Our restaurant critic, Patrick Minutillo, received a top storyline for his review on “Keo Ku Korean BBQ Restaurant: Authentic Korean Food.”
Readers don’t realize what it takes to write and publish a story. Most stories require a personal visit, which can take an hour or more. A recent council meeting lasted five hours. Most assignments require photographs. We take many pictures. The pictures must be uploaded to our main computer. Then write the article based on notes, documents, research, police reports, etc. After writing the article, we go back and review the photographs to choose which one(s) better illustrates the story. We convert the photo(s) into Photoshop and resize it to fit the website’s specifications. Then all photos are uploaded to our server with the story. That’s where the magic happens. We write a caption for the photos and a headline before publishing the story. That process can take anywhere from an hour to five or six hours.
Parsippany Focus publishes stories of all types: Council Meetings, Planning Board Meetings, Zoning Board of Adjustment Meetings, Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings, Police News, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Sports, School News, Restaurant Reviews, Social Happenings, Death Notices, all the news that makes Parsippany Focus a publication serving the 56,162 residents of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Top story of 2022: Controversial Union Ordinance Brings out the Masses
Controversial Union Ordinance Brings out the Masses
Published on October 25, 2022, and received 29,139 hits. Click here to read the full story.
The crowd of over 200 union members packed Parsippany Hills High School in support of the PLA (Project Labor Agreement)
The #2 story was: Houlihan’s Abruptly Closed Its Doors
Houlihan’s Abruptly Closed Its Doors
Published on September 30, 2022, and received 27,662 hits. Click here to read the full story.
Houlihan’s abruptly closed the Parsippany location on Thursday, September 29.
Former Kmart Building will be Subdivided into Three Retail Stores
Published on June 23, 2002, and received 11,769 hits. Click here to read the full story.
The former Kmart building
Keo Ku Korean BBQ Restaurant: Authentic Korean Food
Published on April 29, 2002, and received 9,602 hits. Click here to read the full story.
Keo Ku Korean BBQ Restaurant (Keo Ku Jang) is located at 245 Route 46 East, Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Patient From Care One Wandered; Found Dead
Published on February 20, 2022, and received 5,601 hits. Click here to read the full story.
John Eschenbach
1515 Route 10 Being Demolished to Make Room for Housing Development
Published on May 27, 2022, and received 2,530 hits. Click here to read the full story.
The two office buildings at 1515 Route 10 are in the process of being demolished to make room for housing development. Photo by Brendon Diaz.
Driver Charged with DWI Collided with School Bus Carrying School Children
Published on December 13, 2022, and received 2,315 hits. Click here to read the full story.
The driver, Ms. Cristin Isaacson, 40, Mendham, was operating a 2022 BWM 740 and traveling north of Mazabrook Road toward Troy Road. The BMW crashed into the guard rail on the left side of the roadway. The roadway is above Route 80.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA) Negotiations
Published on January 28, 2022, and received 2,268 hits. Click here to read the full story.
Frank A. Calabria Education Center
Vehicle Fire on Route 10
Published on October 23, 2022, and received 2,140 hits. Click here to read the full story.
A landscaper’s vehicle was on fire on Route 10 West.
Backdoor Politics Backfires Against Zoning Board Chairman Robert Iracane
Published on January 20, 2022, and received 2,005 hits. Click here to read the full story.
Robert Iracane, Chairman Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment, minutes after the vote was taken for the reappointment of Board Attorney Peter King, Esq.
MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon is pleased to announce the promotions of Detective Captain Walter Rawa, Jr. and Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini. Captain Rawa will oversee the Court Services Division, and Captain Tomasini will oversee the Patrol Division.
Detective Captain Walter Rawa, Jr. and Detective Captain Aaron Tomasini with Sheriff James M. Gannon
Captain Rawa, who is a law enforcement legacy, was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2002. After graduating from the Morris County Police Academy, he was assigned to the Protective Services Division. In 2004, he was transferred to the Warrants Section, where he served as an undercover detective until 2006. In 2006, Walter assisted in starting the Traffic Support Unit and achieved certification as a LASER and a RADAR operator and instructor. In 2007, he was selected for the agency’s Marine Patrol on Lake Hopatcong. In 2011, Captain Rawa was assigned to the Emergency Services/K-9 Unit as a Detective. He trained, handled, and certified multiple canines in explosives, search and rescue, patrol, narcotics, and arson. In 2012, he was appointed the rank of Corporal. Between 2015 and 2018, Captain Rawa worked in Community Outreach & Planning as the Agency Training Coordinator. He was promoted to Detective Lieutenant in 2019.
Captain Rawa is one of the Morris County instructors for the Sheriff’s Office’s Responsible School Violence Prevention, Preparation, and Protection (RSVP-3) program. He has played a critical role in developing and training Morris County law enforcement officers on a standardized response protocol to an active shooter incident. He has also attended and attained local and federal certifications in law enforcement response to an active shooter. He is currently a civilian response instructor in the national Run, Hide, Fight model.
Captain Rawa was a tactical operator with the Morris County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team for 16 of his 21 years with the Agency. He has been a member of the agency Honor Guard for 19 years and currently serves as its unit commander. He is a certified Police Training Commission Academy Instructor for the State of NJ for firearms and physical conditioning. He has also been certified as a Taser Master Instructor since 2021. In 2022, he assisted the agency with body-worn camera purchasing and implementation.
Captain Tomasini began his career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in 2005, where he attended the 66th Basic Police Academy Class. Upon completion, Captain Tomasini has spent most of his career assigned to the Emergency Services Unit, where he performed various roles as a K-9 Handler, K-9 Trainer, Bomb Technician, and Tactical Operator with the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT). Over the years, Captain Tomasini has worked with many K9 partners, most significantly, Jax, Hydro, Sig, Kiara, and Po. Aaron has gained certifications in multiple disciplines throughout his career, including K-9 Trainer, Supervising K-9 Trainer, Firearms Instructor, Police Rifle Instructor, Project Lifesaver Trainer, Monadnock Expandable Baton Instructor, TASER Master Instructor, FBI-trained Basic Sniper, and FBI Tactical Bomb Technician.
Captain Tomasini is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently in his twenty-first (21st) year of service with the New Jersey Army National Guard. He currently maintains the rank of Major and serves as the Battalion Executive Officer for the 2-113th Infantry Battalion, Forty-Fourth (44th) Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He graduated from several Army courses, including Basic Airborne, Pathfinder, Air Assault, Ranger, Infantry Officer Basic, Maneuver Captain’s Career, Combat Advisor, and the Command and General Staff College Common Core.
Academically, Captain Tomasini holds multiple degrees and certificates that include an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the County College of Morris, two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Thomas Edison State University, a Master’s Degree in Management from Thomas Edison State University, and an Educational Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Stockton University.
The Morris County Sheriff’s Office recognized these individuals and their accomplishments in a promotional ceremony held in the Historic Courtroom at the Morris County Superior Courthouse on December 29, 2022. Sheriff Gannon started the promotional ceremony with the history of the agency and thanked the families of the newly promoted Captains saying, “Our agency’s success lies in the hands of the family that supports the officers.”
Sheriff Gannon reminded the new Captains to hold themselves to the task and offered suggestions such as “challenging your subordinates, treat officers and the public with honesty and respect, take the good from your past supervisors and treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Sheriff Gannon also said, “These new Captains are the best of the best and have earned the trust and respect of their peers.”
PARSIPPANY — Positive Development is hosting an in-person recruiting event for professionals on Thursday, January 12, from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 p.m. at its center on 299 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 108. They’re looking for individuals with a bachelor’s degree, a high level of commitment, and at least one year of experience working one-on-one with children
Positive Development provides comprehensive developmental therapy that treats children and teens on the autism spectrum. Their transdisciplinary, integrative approach includes occupational, speech, and mental health therapies and ongoing parent coaching and support, empowering parents as essential members of their child’s care team. A better choice for many families, their evidence-based model meets the child where they are to build more meaningful connections and relationships.
“When you join our team, clinicians and developmental autism specialists receive paid training/certification in this developmental intervention. Supported by research, this training gave me valuable insight into human development through cultivating relationships and creating playful, joyful experiences,” says Positive Development Case Manager Rachael Singer.
Clinical Director, Natalie Kitts, adds, “This is my dream come true, being the Clinical Director in NJ with an amazing team of therapists. Together, we plan to make developmental therapy accessible to as many families as possible.”
There will be interviews on-site, and registration is required for the event. Please register here. For any other questions about this event and to keep informed on news and updates, schedule an assessment, or join the team, please reach out to Positive Development.
MORRIS COUNTY — After 26 years of service in law enforcement, Lieutenant Susan Johnson has announced her retirement. Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Deputy Chief Robert McNally honored Lt. Johnson for her superlative service. They expressed the gratitude of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office on her last day.
Deputy Chief Robert McNally, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Detective Matthew Magnone, Prosecutor Robert Carroll, and Lt. Susan Johnson.
Johnson was hired by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in October 2002. She was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in February 2021, overseeing the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Over the last two decades with the MCPO, Lt. Johnson has been assigned to the Domestic Violence/Missing Persons Units, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, General Investigations Unit, Pretrial Services Unit, and the Fraud and Professional Standards Units, and has supervised the Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment, Megan’s Law and Internet Crimes Against Children units, we well as the Pretrial Services and General Investigations units.
Lt. Johnson attended the FBI’s Forensic Facial Imaging Course and was a Composite Sketch Artist, which was something she aspired to do early on in her career.
Before joining the MCPO, Lt. Johnson began her career in law enforcement as a patrol officer for the Town of Boonton Police Department. There she was assigned to the patrol division and detective bureau and was involved in several community policing initiatives, including serving as a DARE instructor.
PARSIPPANY — The Mount Tabor Fire Department, along with Morris Plains Fire Department, Morris Plains Fire Association, Cedar Knolls Fire Department, Boonton Fire Department, Parsippany Police Department, Parsippany Emergency Medical Services, Morris County Office of Emergency Management EMS, Atlantic ALS, and Morris County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 52 Averell Drive on a reported kitchen fire with burn victims.
Upon arrival, no fire was visible, but it was confirmed that there was one victim with extensive burns, and it was requested by Basic Life Support (BLS) that they be flown to RWJBarnabas Health for treatment.
A second victim was evaluated and also transported to the hospital. The damage to the home was minimal.
This incident emphasizes the importance of Mutual Aid agreements and mutual respect for our neighboring companies. A fire or emergency can break out at any time and anywhere, and manpower is essential for a safe and effective fire ground.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Hope One and associated organizations received the 5th Annual Light the World award from the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sunday, December 4.
The Light the World award was created five years ago as part of an initiative to highlight tremendous community impact in Northern New Jersey, officials said, adding it is an initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to recognize love and service to others. Individuals or groups are nominated for the award as they exhibit community service and help to spread light and sheriff joy to others.
Sheriff Gannon partnered with non-profit organizations, law enforcement officers, mental health, addiction recovery experts, and spiritual advisers to develop the Hope One program, a mobile substance use, and mental health disorder outreach, officials said. The mobile unit stops in communities to provide free Narcan training and Naloxone kits and provides access to addiction recovery and mental health programs.
The Hope One mobile unit is sponsored by The Morris County Sheriff’s office in partnership with the Mental Health Association of Morris County, Morris County Prevention is Key, and its Center for Addiction Recovery, Education, and Success (CARES).
In 2017, Sheriff Gannon opened the “Hope Wing” at the Morris County Correctional Facility, which assists inmates with substance use disorders and helps them repair relationships, manage anger, spiritually grow, and access education.
The Light the World award was presented by William H. Ludlam, president of the Morristown Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sheriff Gannon accepted the award and praised the staff members at Hope One, who said, “Are the ones who do the day-to-day life-saving work in the community.” He asked those present to stand and introduced them by name, including Mental Health Association Director Madine Despeine, Mental Health Association Officer Chelsea Whiting, Peer Recovery Specialist Jon Erik Randazzo, Corporal Erica Valvano, Social Case Worker Jaimie Bingham, and Mental Health Association Case Manager-Karolyn Mora.
In addition, singer-songwriter, Coco Santoni, performed two original songs at the event.
Aura Dunn
Speakers included Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris; Adeline Connor, Young Women’s organization member, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Robert A. Wilson, chief security officer, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, New Jersey; the Rev. Dr. David A. Hollowell, chair of Martin Luther King Observance Committee and outgoing president of Morris Area Clergy Council, and Mohammad Ali Chaudry, president of Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, and Blair Schleicher Wilson of Mountain Lakes, CEO, of Morris Habitat for Humanity, based in Randolph Township.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James R. Barberio held a small promotional ceremony on Tuesday, December 27, where he promoted Deputy Chief Richard Pantina to the rank of Chief. Pantina is the ninth chief in the history of Parsippany.
Mayor James Barberio is swearing in Acting Police Chief Richard Pantina as his two children hold the bible.
Chief Pantina was hired in July of 1989 after previously serving as a police officer in Elizabeth.
Parsippany Police Chief signing the documents
Over his 36 years in law enforcement, he has held numerous positions within the police department which, include Commander of the Investigative Division, which oversees Internal Affairs, along with the Adult and Juvenile Detective Sections, Lieutenant in the Patrol Division, where he oversaw the day to day operations of his Patrol Section, and as a Community Relations Officer while assigned to the Support Services Division.
He is pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Public and Emergency Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He is also a graduate of the NJ State Association of Chiefs of Police Command and Leadership Program.
Throughout his career, Chief Pantina has been recognized for his performance and dedication to law enforcement through awards for Exceptional Police Service and numerous Command and Unit Citations.
Pantina was appointed Deputy Chief in 2013 by Mayor James Barberio. Pantina was hired in July 1989 and assigned to the Patrol Division. Before he came to Parsippany, Pantina served as a Police Officer in Elizabeth for about three years. He lives in Berkeley Heights with his wife and two children.
Mayor Barberio stated, “I believe he will continue to guide the police department in a positive direction, as he has already done so over the last year and a half as the Acting Chief of Police. His knowledge, experience, and professionalism are a few of the many reasons I decided he would be the perfect fit for the position. I would like to personally congratulate the Chief and I look forward to working with you in the future.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Richard Pantina with his wife and two children.
PARSIPPANY — Zen Dental Care held a grand opening ribbon-cutting celebration. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon with Dr. Sheren Elsaid. Also attending were Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilmen Frank Neglia, Justin Musella, and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board Members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov. Many friends and family members also attended the event.
Zen Dental Care is located at 2200 Route 10, Suite 105, Parsippany.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents Dr. Sheren Elsaid with a plaque welcoming Zen Dental Care to Parsippany.
Dr. Sheren Elsaid spent two years planning and designing her newly opened dental practice. Zen Dental Care is designed to help relieve dental anxiety by focusing on using distraction methods involving sight, smell, and sound. When you arrive at Zen Dental Care, you will be greeted by a friendly team and can choose from a comfort menu. Items such as aromatherapy, warm blanket, noise-canceling headphones, TVs on the ceiling, and laughing gas are available. The office colors are warm and inviting, and the entire team is there to help make your dental visit as pleasant as possible.
Parsippany Economic Development presented Zen Dental Care with a plaque welcoming the new business to Parsippany.
Dr. Sheren Elsaid earned her Bachelor’s degree from CUNY Hunter College in Psychology and earned her dental degree from Temple University. Dr. Elsaid then completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through NYU Langone Dental Medicine Program. Dr. Elsaid is dedicated to her patients and continues to take extensive continuing education courses to advance her skills and remain up-to-date with dental advances. Dr. Elsaid is a general dentist and practices all phases of dentistry. Services provided at Zen Dental Care include tooth-colored fillings, root canals, extractions, veneers, implants, and much more.
Dr. Elsaid also remains committed to giving back to her community. Zen Dental Care has partnered with Cornerstone Family Programs/Morristown Neighborhood House (CFP/MNH). For every new patient seen at Zen Dental Care, a portion of the proceeds with be donated to CFP/MNH to allow them to provide a much-needed, healthy, nutrient-rich meal to one of their students. Zen Dental Care believes in Cornerstone Family Program’s mission and is dedicated to helping make a difference.
When Dr. Elsaid isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, traveling, reading, and trying new recipes.
Patient Exam Room
Zen Dental Care is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, January 2023. Click here to read.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Reorganization Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Formal Action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings. Immediately following, there will be an agenda meeting.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call to be 973-263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Dear Editor:
Frank A. Calabria Education Center
