PARSIPPANY — On April 27, 2024, around 11:47 p.m., Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Sean Golden was conducting patrol duties near Littleton Road and Parsippany Road. During his patrol, he noticed a Grey 2018 Kia Optima heading north on Parsippany Road toward Route 46.
The vehicle disregarded a red traffic signal meant for traffic on Parsippany Road toward Parsippany Boulevard.
Officer Golden pursued the vehicle and pulled it over at the entrance to Tivoli Gardens, located at 1100 Parsippany Boulevard. Despite the officer activating emergency lights, the vehicle proceeded into the parking lot and parked in front of Building 12. The driver, identified as Orlando Fallas, 28, exited the vehicle promptly upon stopping. Officer Golden instructed him to return to the vehicle, but Mr. Fallas insisted on stretching his legs. After repeated commands, Mr. Fallas complied.
Approaching the vehicle, Officer Golden noticed the smell of alcohol emanating from the driver’s area. As additional officers arrived at the scene, Mr. Fallas exited the vehicle once more against orders. Despite instructions to return to his vehicle, Mr. Fallas remained non-compliant. Sgt. Ferreira, Ptl. Ohlsen, Ptl, Kurza, Ptl. Piccininni, and Ptl. Cavaluzzo responded to assist.
When questioned, Mr. Fallas claimed he had been coaching baseball and had not consumed alcohol. However, field sobriety tests indicated otherwise, leading to his arrest. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered an open Smirnoff vodka bottle and an uncapped seltzer bottle with an alcoholic odor.
Mr. Fallas was transported to Parsippany Police Headquarters for processing, where he refused to provide breath samples. Following protocol, officers detained him pending John’s Law coordination. However, Mr. Fallas became increasingly agitated and began kicking the cell door. Officer Golden attempted to calm him, to no avail.
Par-Troy EMS was called to assist, and Mr. Fallas was transported to St. Clare’s Denville. He was issued multiple motor-vehicle summonses, including Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Provide Breath Samples, Failure to Provide Insurance Card, Failure to Observe Traffic Signal, Reckless Driving, and Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle.
Mr. Fallas is scheduled to appear in Parsippany Municipal Court on June 13, 2024.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Primary Election is on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT PRIMARY ELECTION DATES AND DEADLINES
Date
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Voter Registration Deadline for Primary Election
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Deadline for Filing of Challenger Appointments
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Mailing of Sample Ballots
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Deadline to Apply for Mail-In Ballot for Primary Election
Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications for Primary Election by 3:00 pm
Early Voting Period
Friday, May 31, 2024
Deadline for Application to Receive Primary Election Mail-In Ballots by Electronic Means for Qualified Overseas Civilian and Military Voters
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Election Day – 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Please note that mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, June 4, 2024 and received by the Morris County Clerk’s Office no later than Monday, June 10, 2024. Do not return mail-in ballots to your polling place.
New Jersey Voter Information Portal:
Voter registration and changes to voter registration can be made in the following three ways:
1. In-person by delivering your form to Morris County, Administration & Records Building, 10 Court Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
2. By mail by sending your form to the Morris County Commissioner of Registration, PO Box 900, Morristown, NJ 07963
3. Online by clicking here – you will need a current and valid driver’s license or non-driver identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission or a social security number and the ability to upload your signature online
Not sure if you are registered to vote? Please click here to conduct a “Voter Search” using your name, month, and year of birth.
If you need to cancel your voter registration, please contact the Morris County Board of Elections. You can cancel your registration online, by mail, or in person. Click here for further instructions.
Please note that Early Voting Locations are NOT the same as your assigned polling place.
There is currently an Early Voting Location in: Hanover: 15 North Jefferson Road Morristown: 200 South Street Madison: 50 Kings Road Boonton Township: 155 Powerville Road Central Park (Parsippany): 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains Denville: 1 Saint Mary’s Place
For a complete list of early voting locations in Morris County, click here.
To find your polling place for Election Day, click here.
For a List of Ballot Drop Box Locations, click here.
You can deposit your ballot approximately 45 days before the election and all Ballot Drop Boxes will be closed at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Click here for a complete list of Morris County locations.
To track your mail-in ballot, create a New Jersey Registration System (NJ SVRS) account. When the Morris County Board of Elections has received your mail-in ballot, the web page will display “Ballot Received Date”. Once the ballot is accepted, the Ballot Status will show as “Accepted”. If your mail-in ballot has not been received yet, it will not be listed. Click here to track your ballot.
Candidates click here for information. (Filing Dates, Procedure to Request Voter Lists, Challenger Information):
Interested in becoming a Poll Worker? Contact the Morris County Board of Elections or click here for more information.
MORRIS COUNTY — More older adults and individuals with disabilities in New Jersey are now eligible to save on prescription drug prices, Medicaid premiums, hearing aids, utilities, and other household expenses using the NJSave application, thanks to an increase in income eligibility requirements.
Eligible residents can apply for these savings using the NJSave online application. This single application allows the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) – which administers a wide range of state and federal direct assistance programs – to screen and enroll applicants in multiple programs. NJSave paper applications are available upon request.
Recent legislation and funding in Governor Phil Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget expanded income eligibility limits by up to $10,000 for some of these programs to make them more accessible for a larger number of residents.
“By expanding income eligibility for prescription drug assistance, hearing aid assistance, and utility assistance programs for older adults, we are delivering much-needed relief to families throughout our state,” said Governor Murphy. “No one should have to face the difficult choice to skip or ration their medications, and this program expansion makes a real difference in the lives of New Jerseyans as we continue to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible.”
NJSave will screen and enroll eligible residents into the following health care and prescription drug assistance programs:
“Expanding the income eligibility for these programs means more people in need of support can apply for these savings. We encourage anyone who thinks they are eligible, or knows someone who may be eligible, click here to learn more about the different assistance programs available,” said New Jersey Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
The PAAD and Senior Gold programs are available to residents 65 and older and those with disabilities. The PAAD program income limits are now $52,142 for a single and $59,209 for a couple. The Senior Gold Prescription Discount program limits are now $62,142 if single and $69,209 if married. Assets are not considered in determining eligibility for either program. PAAD cuts drug prices to $5 for covered generic drugs and $7 for covered name brands. Senior Gold co-pay is $15.00 plus 50% of the remaining cost for covered prescriptions.
Income limits for the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD), and the Lifeline Utility Assistance program – which offsets the costs of gas and electric expenses – also increased by $10,000, as those programs are tied to PAAD.
DHS also will reimburse new enrollees for the amount of money they paid for prescription drugs purchased 30 days before they submitted a complete PAAD and Senior Gold application. Documentation of the purchase would need to be provided to the Department for approval.
The NJSave application also screens applicants for these programs that help middle- to low-income families save on common household expenses:
Eligible individuals can apply now through the NJSave online application, by downloading an application from the NJSave webpage, by texting NJSAVE to 844-755-3803 to receive a link to the application, or by asking for a paper application by calling 1-866-NJSAVE-5.
Online and paper applications are available in English and Spanish.
DHS also is raising awareness of the NJSave application and connected programs by implementing a Senior Save Navigator Program that will provide outreach, education, and one-to-one application assistance for older adults and individuals with disabilities, particularly among underserved and hard-to-reach populations.
In addition, the Department launched a statewide advertising campaign in March to promote the benefits of the NJSave application. The campaign includes radio and television ads, ads on NJTransit buses and bus shelters, billboards, and notices at hospitals and pharmacies.
“By raising awareness about the resourcefulness of the NJSave application and increasing application assistance, we hope more people will apply so they can start saving,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire.
For more information about NJSave or other programs made available through DHS, visit them online by clicking here.
PARSIPPANY — The Board of Trustees of the Parsippany Library has announced the launch of a community-wide survey regarding library services.
Results of the survey will provide valuable input for the Library’s strategic planning process, which began this spring.
The Library’s Strategic Planning Committee plans to publish a 3-year strategic plan in late 2024, which will guide the future direction of the library through the end of 2027.
“Strategic planning is an important process for ensuring consistent development within our organization, and working to meet the evolving needs of the Parsippany-Troy Hills community,” says Melissa Kuzma, Library Director.
“Throughout this process, we will be soliciting input from residents, working with key stakeholders to make decisions about strategic goals, and designing a plan to make this vision a reality.”
All survey responses that include contact information will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon Fire HD Plus tablet.
“I hope that this strategic plan will help us to better define our Library’s mission, and align our strategic goals even more closely with the challenges, needs, and passions of the entire Parsippany-Troy Hills community,” says Kuzma.
The deadline for residents to respond to the Library’s survey is June 7, 2024
PARSIPPANY — The Human Robotics (Hubotics), a Parsippany-based non-profit organization, successfully hosted its 2024 STEAM FAIR, attracting an impressive array of presentations and projects from students across nine local schools on various topics related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. The STEAM FAIR not only provided a stage for the brilliant minds of our community to shine and explore but also marked the launch of ConnectED, a free online education platform designed to empower students with valuable resources and opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The fair featured 28 captivating presentations and projects, representing the talents of students from five elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. With an audience of over 80 attendees, including guest Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella and Mrs. Effner, Parsippany High School’s Robotics coach and Math lead teacher, the event highlighted the depth of passion and innovation within our youth.
Councilman Justin Musella expressed his admiration for the students’ projects and presentations, remarking, “Our next generation of leaders are already showing our township what they’re capable of! Thank you to Human Robotics for inviting me to see some of the great work our students are doing.” Meg Bodade, Director of Hubotics, expressed her gratitude for the community support, emphasizing the crucial role of community involvement in nurturing future leaders and innovators.
Hubotics is thrilled to announce the launch of ConnectED, an innovative peer-to-peer platform conceptualized and developed by their Teen co-founder, Aarjun Bodade, a junior at Parsippany High School. ConnectED is a free platform designed to inspire and empower students by providing them with a wealth of presentations, videos, and reference links to explore and learn on various STEAM topics. By doing so, students can cultivate essential skills such as articulation, presentation, knowledge sharing, and the protégé effect, all while experiencing a profound sense of accomplishment and contributing to their community through service. After registering, volunteers can choose a topic, create a 5-minute presentation video, and earn valuable volunteering hours recognized by the Hubotics Organization.
For more information and to get started on the volunteering journey, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the ConnectED website by clicking here or the Hubotics website by clicking here. The organization looks forward to witnessing the incredible impact that students will make through this transformative platform.
As the success of the 2024 STEAM FAIR is celebrated, the dedication and passion of the parents, students, and volunteers who made it possible must also be acknowledged. Their tireless efforts reflect the true spirit of the community, united in the pursuit of knowledge and empowerment.
I am writing to share my ideas for repurposing the empty office buildings in Parsippany-Troy Hills for the benefit of our community. Here are my suggestions:
Collaboration between Rutgers University, County College of Morris (CCM), and state and county officials to establish a four-year business college within some of the vacant buildings. This initiative would provide educational opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
Conversion of one building into a learning center for individuals with autism and other disabilities. This facility could offer specialized programs and support services tailored to the needs of these individuals, enhancing their quality of life.
Transformation of another building into a state-of-the-art VA medical treatment center and short-term housing for veterans. By partnering with Morris County and federal agencies, we can ensure that our veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
Repurposing of one building as a facility for Morris County Magnet High School, offering advanced placement coursework and exams to students. This initiative would enrich educational opportunities for our youth and foster academic excellence.
Having resided in Parsippany-Troy Hills for five decades, I am deeply invested in the well-being of our community. I believe that by repurposing these empty buildings, we can create valuable resources that will benefit current and future generations.
While I may not have the capacity to spearhead these initiatives myself, I am confident that our fellow citizens possess the passion and dedication to make a positive impact. I encourage readers to share their ideas, thoughts, and enthusiasm with Mr. Frank Cahill at Parsippany Focus. Together, we can work towards building a brighter future for our township.
PARSIPPANY — Flagler College will celebrate the academic and personal accomplishments of more than 500 graduates in the Class of 2024 with a Commencement Ceremony at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 5, at 9:00 a.m.
Flagler College will celebrate the academic and personal accomplishments of Shawna Ignacz and more than 500 graduates from the Class of 2024.
Flagler’s graduating class, whose students exemplify resiliency, courage, intelligence, creativity, passion, and an enterprising spirit, embarked on their college journeys in 2020 amid a global pandemic. Their unwavering perseverance and commitment have led them to this momentous occasion.
For many of these graduates, it will be their first time donning a cap and gown and walking across a stage because their high school graduations were either canceled or occurred virtually.
This year’s graduating class brought ideas and perspectives from across the country and world, with more than a dozen international students and a class of domestic students from 29 states and one U.S. territory.
The most represented majors among the graduating seniors are Psychology (55 majors), Business Administration (52), Criminology (34), Graphic Design (29), Marketing (28), Coastal Environmental Science (26), Digital Media Production & Journalism (24), Accounting (20), Sport Management (19), and English (17).
Ignacz will be honored with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
The Class of 2024 will be conferred 417 Bachelor of Arts, 11 Bachelor of Fine Arts, and 76 Bachelor of Science degrees. Additionally, three students will have the honor of receiving Master of Arts degrees. Each of these degrees represents rigorous academic journeys completed, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Behind these degrees are countless experiential learning opportunities, of which almost 90% of the graduating class participated during their time at Flagler. This reflects the College’s dedication to making our Historic Coast home in St. Augustine a real-world classroom and living laboratory. Over one-third of this year’s graduating class has displayed high academic achievement and will graduate with honors. 64 students are earning the honor of Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5-3.64), 61 students earning the honor of Magna Cum Laude (GPA of 3.65-3.79), and 51 students earning the highest honor of Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 3.8-4.0).
Among the graduates, 90 are student-athletes. There will also be 18 students who completed Flagler’s distinguished Honors Program and will have an Honors designation placed on their official academic transcripts. These students were among the 5% of their class invited to join the program during their freshman year.
Now, these Saints will join Flagler’s robust alumni network, a group of people who continue to prove the value of a Flagler education as they build their legacies.
Now, Ignacz will join Flagler’s robust alumni network, a group of people who continue to prove the value of a Flagler education as they build their legacies.
Flagler College, ranked #2 Best Regional College in the South by U.S. News & World Report, encourages students within its 42 majors and 47 minors to think boldly and embrace their futures with confidence, knowledge, and enlightened perspectives. Located in the heart of St. Augustine, Fla. Historic District, Flagler’s around 2,400 students live in a small town with big adventures. Flagler College was founded in 1968 within the Hotel Ponce de Leon, a National Historic Landmark opened in 1888 by Standard Oil co-founder and visionary behind the Florida East Coast Railway, Henry Flagler. St. Augustine’s history and culture, including the legacy Henry Flagler left for our campus, encourages lifelong inquiry, creativity, and expanded self-awareness. For more information about Flagler College click here.
HANOVER — Ms. Nooria, 52, Parsippany, was traveling eastbound on East Hanover Avenue. At the intersection of East Hanover Avenue and Ridgedale Avenue, the vehicle made a left turn, entering Ridgedale Avenue’s right turn lane. Subsequently, her 2009 BMW 3 collided with the curbed median, leading to a loss of control. The vehicle veered over the curb and proceeded southbound on Ridgedale Avenue. After briefly swerving back onto Ridgedale Avenue, it crossed into the opposite lane and collided with a utility pole.
Aajco Towing removed the vehicle from the scene.
Ms. Nooria was transported to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries.
The accident was investigated by Hanover Township Officer Shane Hine. No charges were filed at the time of this report.
After briefly swerving back onto Ridgedale Avenue, it crossed into the opposite lane and collided with a utility pole.
PARSIPPANY — The new Chick-fil-A located at 1180 Route 46 officially opened on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 a.m.
Excited patrons eagerly lined up, anticipating the scrumptious breakfast offerings from Chick-fil-A.
The new building is 5,338 square feet with 62 interior seats and 18 exterior seating. 81 total parking spaces, and eight electric charging stations. In addition, the drive-through will consist of two lanes with enough room to stack about 60 cars in each lane.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio addresses the guests at the private ribbon-cutting ceremony. Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council President Michael dePierro looks on. Photo by Matthew O’Leary, A3Digital Media.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio said “This is a great company that always gives back, and Charlie Atie is a great, caring guy. I know they will be a great community partner with Parsippany. I wish you much success!”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented a commemorative plaque to store owner-operator Charlie Atie. Photo by Matthew O’Leary, A3Digital Media.
Store owner-operator Charlie Atie is a former police chief for Prospect Park. He said he looks forward to becoming part of the Parsippany community by providing space for events, supporting local sports teams, and bringing people together.
“Chick-fil-A serves not only food, but it is also a place of community and belonging,” Atie said. “Great food brings people together, and I look forward to providing a space where our guests can foster meaningful connections.”
“Chick-fil-A Parsippany will be an integral part of my family, and I look forward to welcoming our team members, guests, and the Parsippany community as one of our own,” he said. “This isn’t just my restaurant – it belongs to the community as well.”
Addressing the crowd of 100 invited guests to the private grand opening, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill said “Chick-fil-A, holding the title of the largest quick-service chicken family-owned and operated restaurant chain in the United States, boasts over 2,000 locations across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and Canada. We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to Chick-fil-A in Parsippany. With its arrival, we anticipate enjoying its renowned fare and foreseeing increased job opportunities and economic prosperity for our community. It’s bound to be a resounding success in Parsippany!”
Mark Cathy, representing the third generation of Chick-fil-A leadership, warmly embraces store owner-operator Charlie Atie following the joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the grand opening.
The project had been underway for several years. Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, acquired the property in 2020. Originally comprising three outdated office buildings, the property was initially put up for sale in 2016. Dr. Maheta envisioned enhancing the area’s image and attracting a renowned tenant, ultimately securing Chick-fil-A for the location.
Dr. Maheta’s presence in Parsippany is a significant addition, bringing projects that contribute to increased revenue, huge ratables, expanded employment opportunities, and solid property tax revenues.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, store owner-operator Charlie Atie. and property owner Dr. Bhagirath Maheta. Photo by Matthew O’Leary, A3Digital Media.
This property was in a state of decline and desperately needed revitalization. With only 30% occupancy and a troubling history including six robberies in the past three years, it had become a hotspot for illicit activities, with evidence of drug abuse occurring on-site during nighttime hours. It had become a blight on the area.
The property could have been developed with a 24-7, 365-day Wawa or QuickChek, however, Dr. Maheta chose Chick-fil-A since it wasn’t a 24-7, 365-day business, and is also closed on Sunday.
“I would like to thank all the board members who supported the Chick-fil-A application. I also would like to Thank Chairman Robert Iracane for thinking out of the box and having the vision for the last 27 years to understand the need to improve our community. Thank you to all Township representatives and Joe O’Neill, Robert Garofalo’s attorney, and people who supported the project,” stated Maheta.
Chick-fil-A has established its presence across New Jersey, with a location conveniently situated just beyond Parsippany in the Briarcliff Commons shopping center in Morris Plains. Renowned for its delectable offerings such as chicken sandwiches, nuggets, tenders, salads, waffle fries, and milkshakes, the chain continues to captivate customers with its delicious menu options.
In celebration of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America to support local hunger relief efforts of Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a Feeding America partner food bank, in honor of the new restaurant.
Chick-fil-A’s Mark Cathy is excited about the opening of the new location in Parsippany. Pictured is Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, property owner Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Councilman Justin Musella, Former Council President Loretta Gragnani and Councilwoman Judy Hernandez. Photo by Matthew O’Leary, A3Digital Media.
• John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
• Chas Holloway, Engineer, GPI
• William Johnson, Esq. Johnson and Johnson
• Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
Agenda subject to change without notice Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
