PARSIPPANY — The League of Women Voters will hold a debate for candidates for the Board of Education in the . The debate is co-sponsored by Parsippany Woman’s Club.
The debate will take place September 27, 7:00 p.m., at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road.
You can also watch the debate on their YouTube channel by clicking here.
Seven candidates are running for three available seats:
Falgun Bakhtarwala
Kendra Von Achen
Michelle Shappell
Jack S. Raia
Andrew Choffo
Alison C. Cogan
Yvonne Ferise
The public can submit questions for candidates by 6:00 p.m. September 25 via this Google form.
There are no municipal elections this year. But the township will vote in races for the Morris County Board of Commissioners and for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. As of now, candidate Paul DeGroot has been requesting current Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill to a debate, but a date has not been scheduled.
MORRIS COuNTY – Where can a family play pickleball, dodgeball, and take a boot camp class, all in one week, and all for free? Why the Y of course! Lakeland Hills Family YMCA invites the community to its annual Welcoming Week, this year bigger and better than ever! Conveniently located where the Mountain Lakes, Parsippany, and Boonton borders meet at 100 Fanny Road in Mountain Lakes, the area’s leading community organization is offering a free week of fun events, all in one place, from September 13-18.
Communities are stronger and more cohesive when people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to get to know one another and work side by side to advance the common good. Welcoming Week brings YMCAs and other nonprofit organizations across the country together to help elevate the growing movement of communities that fully embrace all Americans and their contribution to the social fabric of the U.S.
“Celebrating community is what Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is all about,” says Alejandro (Alex) Martinez, CEO and President of the Y. “Our Y is excited to present an entire week of free programs and activities for families and children. Our community looks to Lakeland Hills Family YMCA for support in all facets of life – health and wellness, mental health awareness, spiritual connection, youth development, and more.”
Alex Martinez
Martinez continued, “Welcoming Week is being presented the day after we have our ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new Welcome Center. The Welcome Center has a mission-based purpose to foster community support. The Center is in memory of Kris Joganow, a long-time Y employee, friend, and supporter of the Y. Kris, the wife of our former CEO, Dr. Vik Joganow, passed away from COVID-19 in 2020. We are truly fortunate to reopen our facility to a beautiful new community-centric Welcome Center. This new space, which spans almost the entire first floor of our facility, includes areas for community programs and meetings, “Kris’ Coffee Corner” with enhanced free hot beverages, healthy self-vending machines with cashless purchases including parfaits, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more. Additionally, the Lounge offers comfortable seating for meetings, work from your laptop with self-charging areas, a teen space, and more. These renovations and upgrades are due to the philanthropic efforts of individuals supporting Kris Joganow’s memory as well as corporations and other donors.
The Welcome Center at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA will have its official grand opening on Monday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. for invited guests, donors, and dignitaries. It begins with a cleansing of the space followed by an ecumenical blessing of the new Center. The Y reopens to its members and the community on Tuesday, September 13. This is also the first day of Welcoming Week.
For the full calendar of events, programs, and activities as part of its Welcoming Week, click here or call Lakeland Hills Family YMCA at (973) 334-2820.
For more than 100 years the Y has been the leading community organization serving thousands of people, with its focus on Healthy Living, Youth Development, and Social Responsibility. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano, and Boonton Police Department Officer in Charge Christian Trowbridge, announce the arrests of five individuals after fleeing from a stolen high end motor vehicle that became disabled while eluding police.
At approximately 5:43 a.m., on Friday, September 9, the Montville Township Police Department received calls from residents in the area of Quarry Mountain Road and Turkey Hill Road regarding a suspicious Porsche Cayenne whose occupants were attempting to steal vehicles from driveways.
Officers were able to locate the Porsche traveling at a high rate of speed on Taylortown Road. As the responding Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and entered onto Interstate 287 south. The Porsche, stolen from Bergen County, became disabled on I-287 and five suspects fled on foot from the vehicle.
The Montville Township Police Department and Officers from the Boonton Police Department began to search the area for the suspects. The search was conducted by the Montville Township Police Department, Boonton Police Department, Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and the New Jersey State Police. The search last until approximately 1:00 p.m.
As a result of law enforcement efforts and investigation, the following were apprehended and arrested:
Shuron D. Solomon, 24, of Newark
Marquis Nickels, 28, of Irvington
Sergio Furtado, 20, of Newark
Dandre McFadden, 24, Newark
Brandon O. Juddmoore, 20, Newark
All five defendants were charged with the below crimes by complaint warrant and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Bail Reform:
Theft by Knowingly Receiving Moveable Property (stolen motor vehicle) in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-7A, a crime of the third degree.
Unlawful taking of means of conveyance (joyriding / motor vehicle), in violation of N.J.S. 2C:20-10D, a crime of the fourth degree.
Conspiracy to commit burglary, in violation of N.J.S. 2C:5-2A(1), a crime of the third degree.
Resisting Arrest by Flight, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29:2A(2), a crime of the fourth degree.
New Jersey State Police Helicopters flying over the area
Chief Caggiano stated, “The tremendous effort by all these police officers led to the apprehension of all five suspects. The cooperation between all the agencies made this possible. These officers put their lives on the line today to protect the residents of New Jersey.”
Sheriff Gannon stated, “The Morris County Chiefs of Police, led by President Chief Jeffrey Almer, Chief Andrew Caggiano, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and I have been meeting frequently lately to plan how to better battle this crime scourge. Today, we put some of our plans into action and the result was successful. We’ll keep up the communication, strategy, and teamwork. Our neighbors are nervous and we want to keep them safe!”
Prosecutor Carroll commends all of the law enforcement officers involved in this response for acting quickly, safely and professionally. He stated this repetitive crime is the subject of intensive study and action by local, county and state law enforcement, the judiciary and governmental officials at all levels. All efforts are being made to identify patterns of criminal conspiracies to interdict these crimes and bring those subjects who lead and collude, especially with juveniles, to justice. We do need the public to also do their part and lock and secure their vehicles”
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy is free and participants will be chosen on a first come, first serve basis after completing all necessary paperwork, with a maximum enrollment of twenty (20) participants. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy will be on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. starting October 4, 2022 and ending on October 20, 2022.
Applicants must:
Be at least 21 years of age,
Residents of Morris County,
Submit a fully completed application, and
Must pass a background investigation process.
The purpose of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy is to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the operations of our agency and of law enforcement in general. Some topics of instruction will include organizational structure, use of force, drug trends and police response, arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle stops and officer safety. It is our intention that the graduates of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy will gain an awareness and appreciation of the services we provide. We also hope to collectively create an even stronger partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve which, in turn, will allow our graduates to become advocates for the law enforcement community as a whole.
For more information, click here to download the application.
MORRIS COUNTY — Having helped thousands of women to gain economic self-sufficiency and fulfilling lives, The Women’s Center at County College of Morris (CCM) recently received a $150,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Division on Women continuing their support of the center’s mission.
“The Women’s Center offers a full range of comprehensive services to support displaced homemakers with achieving financial independence,” says Director Shannon Lengares. “We do this through goal setting, career counseling, educational and training scholarships, computer skill building, resume and cover letter writing, workshops including financial management, job search strategies, interview preparation and more.”
The center also offers a Job Club Speaker Series, Job Seekers Support Group and connections to community resources. In addition, it offers a legal program that consists of free 30-minute legal consultations with family law attorneys and a divorce workshop series that is offered twice a year. While most of its clients are women, the center’s services also are available to men who meet the displaced homemaker criteri.
Displaced homemakers are individuals who have managed their homes for several years while being financially supported by a spouse, partner or family member and due to divorce, separation, death or disability then find themselves needing to serve as the primary source of household income. In many cases, displaced homemakers are underemployed and unable to financially support themselves or their families. Others may have difficulty obtaining employment due to a gap in work history.
The Women’s Center has been a part of CCM for over 30 years. In the 1970s, when the national divorce rate rose rapidly, many women who had worked primarily in their home, raising a family, suddenly faced the daunting task of obtaining or updating skills and reentering the workforce. In 1979, the New Jersey Displaced Homemakers Act was signed into law by then Governor Brendan Byrne. The act did not appropriate funding but mandated that action be taken to address the issue of displaced homemakers. In 1982, the Vocational Division of the New Jersey Department of Education appropriated startup funds for six displaced homemakers’ centers. Today such centers are found across the state.
If you know someone who could use the services offered through The Women’s Center at CCM or to learn more about the program by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Town of Boonton Police Department, New Jersey State Police is assisting the Montville Township Police Department with an ongoing investigation. Their investigation led to an area being search in Parsippany at the Jersey City Reservoir Property and Interstate 287 Southbound.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are in that area assisting with the search.
Police arrested three suspects, and are searching for one more.
Montville Police issued this statement “Attempted burglaries to motor vehicles off of Taylortown and in the northern part of town. Review cameras and email sregan@montvillenj.org.”
As details are released, Parsippany Focus will update this article.
New Jersey State Police Helicopters flying over the area
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Caring for an elderly loved one can result in a multitude of overwhelming responsibilities and myriad unanswered questions. Join County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation Board member John P. Beyel, Esq., of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP of Morristown, and CCM alumna Trish Colucci Barbosa ’85, RN-BC, CCM of Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC of Flanders, as they share their expertise and offer informative advice on the sensitive topic of caring for elderly loved ones.
This free session is being held on Thursday, September 29, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Student Community Center, Davidson Room A, on CCM’s campus at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Refreshments will be served.
<
p style=”font-weight: 400;”>Beyel, a partner at McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP, has extensive experience in many facets of the legal system. The firm’s practice areas include environmental, aviation, immigration, insurance, intellectual property, labor and employment, real estate and tax law. In addition, Beyel has been co-chair of the Trust & Estate Section of the Morris County Bar Association.
Barbosa, president and founder of Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC, began her care management agency when she realized her nursing skills combined with her care management expertise filled a special need in people’s lives. She founded Peace Aging Care in 2006 to assist people and their families with successfully navigating crisis situations, planning ahead for future care needs and getting more out of life every day.
While there is no fee to attend the presentation, space is limited. Kindly RSVP online at by clicking here or for more information contact Pam Williams at pwiliams2@ccm.edu or (973) 328-5060.
Participants can use Parking Lot 6 directly adjacent to the Student Community Center.
PARSIPPANY — Positive Development hosted an open house for families and professionals on Saturday, August 13 at its clinic on 299 Cherry Hill Road, Suite 108, including a ribbon cutting ceremony with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio and more community leaders joining in the celebration.
Staff members
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 as well as ongoing parent coaching and support, empowering parents as an essential member 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.
“Through our comprehensive developmental therapy, we will help more children achieve the outcomes that are most relevant to themselves and their families as they achieve greater growth, independence, and joy,” says Positive Development CEO, Mike Suiters.
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.”
Positive Development staff, families, friends, and numerous other community members gathered to tour the center and its sensory-friendly gym, learn more about developmental approaches in autism care, and experience and celebrate pure joy in progress.
A very special thank you to the following community leaders who took the time to celebrate with us:
Mayor James Barberio
Council President Michael dePierro
Council VP Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Fr. Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce
Assemblyman Brian Bergen
Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon
Parsippany Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill
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 by calling (862) 339-4379 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — Each year the Parsippany Rotary holds events but one of the special event is supporting school children projects we do to help them on:
Distributing Dictionaries, Back to School supplies, and Scholarships for high schoolers
It is a first time ever Parsippany Rotary bicycle ride happening for a great cause! All Parsippany and Morris county residents are welcome to join the great bicycle ride.
Many Rotarian’s and Parsippany residents are registering for being part of the 10 mile ride and supporting the Cause! Holding fundraisers help pay for the many excellent educational opportunities they support to the student body.
The Rotary continues to support school kids with above categories. The purpose of this message is to both inform you of the fundraising mission, as well as asking your great support and help on the school children’s Super Cause.
They’re always delivering and building brighter hopes, but none of that would be possible without kind supporters like you!!!
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 6.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an 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
The purpose of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy is to give the public a working knowledge and understanding of the operations of our agency and of law enforcement in general. Some topics of instruction will include organizational structure, use of force, drug trends and police response, arrest, search and seizure, motor vehicle stops and officer safety. It is our intention that the graduates of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy will gain an awareness and appreciation of the services we provide. We also hope to collectively create an even stronger partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve which, in turn, will allow our graduates to become advocates for the law enforcement community as a whole.
