Two Kinder Chocolate Products Recalled Before Easter Due to Salmonella Risk

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-based manufacturer Ferrero has voluntarily recalled two products because of concerns that the candy might be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

The products, Kinder Mix Chocolate Treats Basket and Kinder Happy Moments Milk Chocolate and Crispy Wafers Assortment, were manufactured in a facility in Belgium where salmonella was detected.

Ferrero USA is located at 7 Sylvan Way.

So far, no reports of illnesses in the U.S. have been linked to the products, Ferrero said in its announcement on Thursday on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. The European Food Safety Authority detected 134 salmonella cases from January 7 to Tuesday, April 5 most of them among children under ten. The agency said that “specific chocolate products have been identified as the likely route of infection.”

The candy is being recalled as many families stock up on treats less than a week before Easter.

“Ferrero deeply regrets this situation,” the company said. “We take food safety extremely seriously and every step we have taken has been guided by our commitment to consumer care. We will continue to work cooperatively with the Food and Drug Administration to address this matter.”

Salmonella infections can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in healthy people, and they may result in more serious cases among those who are very young, old, or immunocompromised.

The recalled Kinder chocolate product Happy Moments. (FDA)

The recalled Kinder Happy Moments assortments were sold at BJ’s Wholesale Club stores across the U.S. and in Costco stores in the San Francisco Bay Area and northern Nevada. The lot codes of those batches — 48RUP334, 48RUP335, 48RUP336, and 48RUP337 — can be found on the back panel. The products have a “best by” date of July 18, 2022.

“FDA is aware of the recall in the EU market and we are analyzing shipment data to determine if the impacted product was imported into the United States. At this time we have no further details to provide,” an FDA spokesperson said. “When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal or safety alert, the FDA posts the company’s announcement as a public service.”

Groundbreaking on Annex Rehabilitation and Log House Kitchen Restoration at Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms

PARSIPPANY — The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms broke ground on the Annex Rehabilitation and Log House Kitchen Restoration, on Saturday, April 9.

This project to rebuild the Annex, which was severely damaged by an uprooted tree during Tropical Storm Isaias, also will include the long-awaited restoration of the Log House kitchen and key improvements to both buildings.

Special invited guests included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio; members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council including Council President Michael J. dePierro, Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Justin Musella, and Councilman Frank Neglia; members of the NJ Historic Trust including Executive Director Dorothy Guzzo; and Eric Holtermann of HMR Architects; along with Board Trustees, Advisory Council Members, and Volunteers at the museum.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio

After remarks from museum Executive Director Vonda K. Givens, Board President Barbara Weiskittel, Mayor Barberio, Council President dePierro, and Dorothy Guzzo, guests were invited to visit the Log House and new Education Center and peruse architectural plans for the Annex/Kitchen project, which was made possible by generous funding from the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and the NJ Historic Trust.

Councilman Justin Musella (standing), Courtney Pirone and Adam Gragnani reviewing the site plans

CCM Foundation to Hold In-Person Gala with a Western Twist

MORRIS COUNTY — Put on your cowboy boots and get ready for some fun by reserving your place at the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation Better in Blue Jeans Ball, held in person on Friday, May 13, at Alstede Farms in Chester.

Better in Blue Jeans is going to be packed with lots of activity and enjoyment — live bluegrass, bourbon tasting, line dancing, games, special photo opportunities, and a buffet dinner. All proceeds from this fundraising event support student scholarships and educational programs. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and tricky tray, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. and then dancing and s’mores by the fire.

“As we emerge from COVID and delightfully begin to attend live in-person gatherings, Alstede offered us the perfect setting to have some fun, while supporting our students, with its open barn door facility,” says Katie Olsen, executive director of the CCM Foundation. “The event is taking place outside and in Alstede’s charming and rustic Harvest Hall.”

Dr. Bette Simmons, vice president of Student Development & Enrollment Management at CCM, will be presented with the Dr. Edward J. Yaw Leadership Award.

This year at the ball, four significant members of the community are to be honored.

Barbara Capsouras

According to Olsen, the honorees were selected for excellence in service in their professional lives and service to the community. Barbara Capsouras, a CCM graduate and now-retired director of Alumni Affairs at the college and Randolph resident, will be presented with the Alumna of the Year Award. Wilson and Maria Vasquez, proprietors of the Sabor Latino Restaurant in Dover, will receive the Community Ambassador Award. Sparta residents Roy and Karen McDonald, longtime donors to the CCM Foundation, will receive the Philanthropy Award. Dr. Bette Simmons, vice president of Student Development & Enrollment Management at CCM, will be presented with the Dr. Edward J. Yaw Leadership Award.

Individual tickets are $225.00 and $400.00 for a pair. Guests are encouraged to wear country-western attire and boots, spurs optional. Alstede Farms is located at 1 Alstede Farms Lane in Chester, off Route 24.

Corporate tables, sponsorships, and ads in the dinner journal also are available by clicking here. For additional information, call the CCM Foundation Office at (973) 328-5060.

 

Parsippany Library Hosts “Data Axle Reference Solutions Presentation”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library will be presenting a “Data Axle Reference Solutions Presentation” on Monday, April 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Main Library, 449 Halsey Road. Registration is required by clicking here.

Patrons will learn how to use the U.S. Business and Consumer Modules to target specific groups of businesses or individuals who may most likely be interested in their products or services. In this training, you will learn how to identify the ideal geography of potential new customers, learn key contacts, research competitors, identify sales leads, marketing intelligence, key elements to include in a business plan, and much more.

Bill Carlson

Meet Bill Carlson, Customer Success Manager. Bill has been with Data-Axle|Reference Solutions since April of 2008. Responsibilities include ensuring that customers with access to Reference Solutions are getting the most from their subscription value. Bill’s presentations are always lively and entertaining.

This event is sponsored by Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, and NJSBDC.

FREE Disaster Preparedness Training Class

PARSIPPANY — Flash flooding, wind storms, blizzards, and power outages have wreaked havoc in our township over the years, and we remember the wrath of Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. In fact, we have had a Federal Disaster each of the past four years.

Would you know what to do to protect yourself and your family in a disaster?

Mayor James Barberio and the Office of Emergency Management invite you to a FREE disaster preparedness training class, beginning in April. The program is called the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and is a FEMA-approved project.

Classes will run weekly on four Wednesday nights beginning Wednesday, April 20, culminating in a practical exercise. Students will receive training in Fire, Emergency Medical operations, disaster psychology, Terrorism, Light rescue, CERT organization, and disaster preparedness. Classes will run from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. each night.

Students must attend all sessions. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Graduates will be invited to join the Parsippany CERT team. Click here For additional information.

Morris County Surrogate Announces Enhancement to E Probate

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling announced a further enhancement to the Surrogate’s Court operations to provide convenience and ease of use for transactions with her office.

The new credit card application was designed to further enhance the e Probate option for both Probate and Administration of estates at the Morris County Surrogate’s Court.

Surrogate Darling first introduced e Probate in the fall of 2020 allowing clients to file online and complete the process at their convenience from anywhere at any time, not having to travel to her office.

Historically, paying fees by credit or debit card has not been an option for clients who currently pay by cash or check. When filing, online, paper payment methods have slowed the process.

Now, with this new card option, which is made available to those willing to pay a small convenience fee to the vendor with the transaction, the process of probating an estate is faster and more convenient. “Since becoming Surrogate, my focus has been to streamline our practices and bring a more customer-centric approach to our services, providing convenience and ease of use,” said Surrogate Darling.

She went on to say, “I look forward to introducing further enhancements to our processes in the coming months as we continue to pursue our objective of the highest level of customer service and convenience.” For more information on e Probate and the Morris County Surrogate’s office, please click here.

Councilman Frank Neglia Holds Political Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — The cocktails were plentiful, hors d’oeuvres were being passed around as over 100 people celebrated during a political fundraiser held at The Mansion in Mountain Lakes, honoring new Parsippany Councilman Frank Neglia.

Carl Burwell, Nick Bronzino, Busines Development Manager, Lincoln 1st Bank, with Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Vice-Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Courtney Pirone, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Detective George Tsimpedes
Jonathan Cohen, Esq. and Delores dePierro
Mountain Lake residents: John Inglesino, Esq., and Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw
Assemblyman Brian Bergen and Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Vice-Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Secretary Raj Dichpally and Lake Parsippany Resident Danny Desai
Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana, Karen Kassakian Pascarella, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and John Pascarella
Johnathan Cohen, Esq., with Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro

Councilman Frank Neglia with his wife Sandra Neglia
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi addressed the crowd and introduced all of the dignitaries
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro introduced Councilman Frank Neglia
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank Neglia

Frank was elected to the Council in November of 2021 to fill a four-year term starting on January 1, 2022. Frank has been a Parsippany resident since 1966 and has attended Northvail Elementary School, Brooklawn Junior High School (as it was known then), and Parsippany Hills High School class of 1975.

Frank has his AA from CCM and attended Rutgers, and the University of Maryland obtained numerous Facilities and Fire safety-related certifications in addition to John Jay College of Criminal Justice obtaining a Security Certification. Frank has been actively involved in various activities in town. He was named Rotarian Citizen of the year for the Town of Parsippany 2008 and Lakeland Hills YMCA 2014 Citizens of the Year. Frank was also instrumental in forming various shared services with the Town of Parsippany including the SRO program with Mayor Barberio in 2014 which became a model for many other districts.

Neglia currently works at The Connection for Women and families as Director of Operations and Facilities Management. He previously worked at Weichert Corporation as a Facilities Project Manager. He also worked at the College of Saint Elizabeth as the Director of Facilities and Security which he retired from in 2015 and ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co which he also retired from in 2000

Frank is married to Sandra and they have five adult children. In addition, they have eight grandchildren.

Frank and Sandra are parishioners of St. Christopher Church for over 35 years.

Frank has been involved in a multitude of activities, elected positions, services, and organizations for the last 35 years.

Here are a few to name:

  • Board of Education 15 years (last 6 as President)
  • Served on the ESC Board of Education-An Educational system for Special needs children for 6 years
  • Chairmen-Township of Parsippany Recreation Advisory Committee for 21 years
  • President of the Par-Troy West Little League-25 years
  • Board of Director-Par-Troy West Little League – 33 years
  • Volunteer as an assistant for the Challenger League, a league devoted to physically and mentally challenged children. 20 years
  • Served as the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 + 2003 March of Dimes Logistics/Safety
  • Chairperson for Eastern Morris County Walk America.
  • Chapter Chairmen & NYSCA/PAYS Instructor
  • Easter Seals volunteer
  • Member of The Parsippany Republic Club
  • Member Benevolent Order of Sons of Italy
  • Member BPOE 2078
  • Member of PTA’s
  • Member of JDF
  • Member of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS)
  • Member of Industrial Society for Respirator Protection (ISRP)
  • Member National Association of Chiefs of Police

State Police Arrest Lake Hiawatha Man for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

PARSIPPANY — Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a gymnastics coach for allegedly taking inappropriate pictures of his students during practices and competitions.

According to authorities, Nicholas Adair, 24, of Lake Hiawatha, was arrested for allegedly manufacturing and possessing child sexual abuse material.

Authorities began investigating Adair back in January for possession of child sexual abuse material after receiving referrals from other law enforcement agencies. During the investigation, detectives discovered Adair was a gymnastics coach for juvenile females and was capturing inappropriate pictures during practices and competitions.

A search warrant was executed on March 30 at Adair’s residence. He was arrested. As a result, detectives seized Adair’s cellphone, which contained multiple files of child sexual abuse material.

Adair is charged with manufacturing and possession of child sexual abuse material. He is detained in the Morris County Jail pending trial.

Anyone who may have been a victim or has any information pertaining to the case is asked to email hitechinformation@njsp.org.

This case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Fire District 3 Holds Installation Dinner

PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany Fire District 3 held its Installation Dinner of Officers on Saturday, April 9 at the Birchwood Manor.

Officers installed were Chief Bill Bilgeshouse, Deputy Chief Matthew Topolewski III, Captain Paul Shannon, and Lieutenants Ken Nolan and Bob Lambert.

Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company District 3 is seeking volunteers. Contact (973) 887-9071. Click here to download an application.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio addresses the audience as Jenn Lappine Sikora looks on
Lieutenant Ken Nolan and his mom Kathy

The mission of Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company, LPVFC, is to protect the lives and property of the people of Lake Parsippany and surrounding communities against fire and other hazards. The firefighters are well trained and drilled in the strategies and tactics of modern-day firefighting. The LPVFC always acts in a professional manner and respects the needs and concerns of property owners.

In 1935, a group of public-spirited citizens recognizing the need for fire protection in Fire District # 3, began taking steps leading to the formation of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company. This was a difficult task. It was a new community that was experiencing an era of building and expansion.

Early in September 1935, the Fire Company was formally organized. The first elected officers were: President, Mr. F. Henry Williams; Vice-President, Mr. Milton Gibian; Secretary, Mr. Randolph Hamroth; Treasurer, Mr. Edward Flanagan; and Chief, Mr. Frank Sena. Incorporation formalities were approved on November 2, 1935.

Without delay, the members were determined to go ahead. Monies were loaned by some members to purchase some fire equipment and a committee was formed to investigate the possibility of purchasing a used fire truck.

The first fire truck was obtained from the Livingston Fire Company in December 1935. The Morris Plains Fire Association provided fire rings with which to summon members to a fire.
In those early days, the meetings were held in the residences of Mr. Peter Yeager of Kingston Road and Mr. Edward Flanagan of Centerton Drive. The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association Club House became available for meetings afterward.

The next problem was to obtain a suitable location to house the fire truck. The land was purchased from the New York Daily Mirror and construction was started on the firehouse in August 1936. Within one year after organizing, the Fire Company had through dances, raffles, and the help of generous contributors became a full-fledged fire company.
Shortly after our first anniversary in December 1936 we welcomed one of our most valuable assets: the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company. They performed remarkable work for the firefighters and much of our progress is the result of their continued efforts and support. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude for the many nights they supplied hot coffee in the freezing weather while the members were engaged with firefighting duties we salute the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. The passing years have seen continued improvements and the members of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company have been dedicated to protecting life and property in District # 3 in the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. In the year 2002, the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company moved across the street to their new home on Halsey Road. The old firehouse stills continue to serve our community as a substation for the Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit.

New neighbors and their families continue to join in the spirit of the “Volunteer” and follow their motto: “NEIGHBOR PROTECTING AND HELPING NEIGHBOR.”

 

Honorary Fire Chief Richie Tuers Passed Away

PARSIPPANY — Richard Tuers “Richie”, 88, of Parsippany passed away suddenly on April 5, 2022.  A funeral service will be held at Bradley-Braviak Funeral Home, 49 Whippany Road, Whippany, on Monday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Morristown.  Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A longtime resident of Parsippany, Richie was born in Morristown and raised in Cedar Knolls.  He graduated from Newark Vocational High School.  Richie worked his entire career at the Motor and Generator Exchange in Newark.  He was a dedicated member and Honorary Chief of the Parsippany Troy Hills District 6 Fire Association for 57 years.  An avid gardener, Richie and his wife of 68 years, Betty, enjoyed travel and cruises in the United States and Europe.  He was very handy and was always willing to help a friend.  If he had what you needed it was all yours for the taking.

Richie was the beloved husband of Betty.  He was the loving father of Richard Tuers and his wife Therese, the late Edward Tuers, and Ann Simmons and her husband Bruce.  He was the cherished grandfather of Daniel Tuers and wife Melissa, Gregory Tuers and wife Xu, the late Patrick Kennedy, Brian Kennedy and wife Karina Jessica Haas and husband Michael.  He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Nathan Tuers, Ezekiel Tuers, Stone Tuers, Sloan Tuers, Charles Hass and Juniper Jo Hass, and dear sister Louise Nodzak.  He is predeceased his brother Robert Tuers.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richies memory may be made to either the Market Street Mission, P.O. Box 1937, Morristown, NJ 07960 or the Make a Wish Foundation.