PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) was named this week to the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee on the House Education and Labor Committee. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over education and workforce development beyond the high school level, including the Higher Education Act, adult education, postsecondary career and technical education, apprenticeship programs, science, and technology programs, domestic volunteer programs, and national service programs.
“Focus on and investment in our students and our workforce is absolutely essential to help our country get to the other side of this crisis,” said Rep. Sherrill. “Programs that build and support a strong workforce pipeline, connect students with the jobs of today, and ensure Americans have the training they need to adapt to the jobs of tomorrow will help to jumpstart our employment recovery from this pandemic and provide long-term benefits. I am excited to work with my colleagues on the Higher Education and Workforce Investment subcommittee as we get past this pandemic and support getting Americans back to work and our economy back on track.”
Rep. Sherrill is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
PARSIPPANY — Lake Parsippany resident Czar Alexei Sepe, a senior at Boston College studying political science and history, was recently selected for membership of the Order of the Cross and Crown.
The Order of the Cross and Crown, founded in 1939, is the College of Arts and Sciences’ most prestigious honor society for seniors who have achieved an average of at least A−, as well as established records of unusual service and leadership on the campus. Only 60 of over 1500 students are selected for membership. The selection committee, composed of the deans, faculty members, and administration, appoints especially distinguished members of the Order to be its officers as Chief Marshal and Marshals. Induction into the Cross and Crown Honor Society is one of the highest and most prestigious honors that BC students can receive. Campbell Soup Company CEO, Denise Morrison is an example of one prominent member.
Due to the pandemic, Dean Gregory Kalscheur, S.J. presided over this year’s induction ceremony via a live broadcast on the Boston College.
PARSIPPANY — Philip J. Gohn, a 2017 graduate of Parsippany High School, was named to the Dean’s List at Edinboro University for the fall 2020 semester.
In order to attain this highly regarded academic honor, students must maintain a quality point average of 3.4 or higher, complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit, and receive no grade lower than a C in any course.
Gohn, whose major is Business Administration, was among nearly 1,200 students named to the fall 2020 Dean’s List.
Edinboro University is a public university in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
PARSIPPANY — Indy Eleven wrapped up a week of new player announcements with today’s addition of goalkeeper Bobby Edwards to Indiana’s Team. Per club policy, the terms of the contract that bring the 25-year-old netminder to the Hoosier State will not be released.
“I am thrilled to be joining Indy Eleven and look forward to representing the club, community, and the State of Indiana. We have tremendous aspirations for this upcoming season, and I am humbled to be a part of them,” said Edwards. “It brings me much pride to represent a club with such strong values that align so closely with my own – a shared commitment to success, respect, and teamwork. I cannot wait to get started and eagerly await seeing all our fans at Carroll Stadium in 2021.”
Fans can hear more from Edwards – in addition to fellow new signing Gordon Wild and Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie – when they join host Greg Rakestraw on tomorrow morning’s edition of Soccer Saturday, airing live from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on 93.5/107.5 FM The Fan and 1075thefan.com. The episode will also be available this weekend on the most popular podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.
“Bobby Edwards is a goalkeeper with a promising future, and we are happy to have him provide quality depth and competition at a crucial position,” stated Rennie. “At 6’6” and 225 pounds, Bobby’s physical presence allows him to command control of his penalty area, and for his size, he is a remarkably good shot-stopper. We look forward to his contributions on the field and in our squad this season.”
Indy Eleven’s roster currently stands at 18 players after this week’s spate of four signings, and more new Boys in Blue will be set to join the club in the coming weeks.
The 2021 campaign will mark the third season of Edwards’ burgeoning professional career, which began in 2019 with Portadown FC in Northern Ireland’s NIFL Championship. Edwards was pivotal to The Ports’ title run, registering a 16W-3L-4D record and finishing with a sparkling 0.78 goals-against average and 12 shutouts.
After serving as Portadown’s starting goalkeeper in the first 23 games of their 2019/20 promotion-winning campaign, the native of Parsippany, returned stateside in January 2020 to join Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati. Edwards made two appearances for the Ohio side last October, winning his debut start against eventual MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew SC at Nippert Stadium.
Prior to going pro, Edwards played four collegiate seasons for three different programs, beginning at St. Joseph’s University (2014-16) and continuing on to Monmouth University (2017) before finishing with a graduate senior season stint at Mount St. Mary’s University (2018). In all, Edwards totaled 62 appearances (60 starts), registering 262 saves and earning 11 shutouts during his collegiate career.
Want to watch Edwards and the rest of the Boys in Blue when they return to IUPUI’s Carroll Stadium in 2021? A limited number of Season Ticket Memberships are now available and can be secured starting at just $170 by clicking here or calling (317) 685-1100.
PARSIPPANY — This morning, the Chair of the Parsippany Republican Party, Lou Valori, announced his candidacy for Mayor. As Council President of a 5-0 Republican Council under former Mayor Barberio, Valori has long been complicit in the political favoritism, budget gimmicks, and overdevelopment that had plagued Parsippany for years.
Valori has demonstrated a severe lack of integrity over the course of his political career. In 2013, Valori released a recording of Mayor Barberio offering him a job in exchange for political favoritism, an allegation Valori described as a bribe and reported to the Prosecutor’s Office. Just four years later, Barberio and Valori ran on the same ticket; a ticket the voters resoundingly rejected. If Valori would run with a man he accused of bribery, what would he do for his friends? Perhaps this is why Parsippany voters ousted Valori by over 800 votes in the 2017 election. This marked the most lopsided defeat for an incumbent Republican Councilman in township history.
The former Council President is also remembered for restricting public comments at Township Council meetings. His refusal to allow residents the standard amount of time to speak was reversed when Mayor Soriano took office.
Valori’s failures extend beyond the Parsippany government. As Chair of the Parsippany GOP, Valori saw his own Vice-Chair, former Freeholder, and Councilman John Cesaro, arrested on bribery charges. Although this arrest took place over a year ago, Valori has yet to comment. Valori has also failed to condemn the January 6th riot at our nation’s Capitol, after standing shoulder to shoulder with QAnon and Proud Boys members at a Trump rally in Parsippany on September 12.
Even out of office, Valori has continued to advocate dangerous policies for Parsippany residents. For months, Valori has pushed for the development of a children’s park in his home neighborhood of Glenmont Commons. As Council President, he and Mayor Barberio hosted not just one, but two, election year groundbreaking ceremonies on a plot of land planned to become a children’s park. The only problem? The township did not own the land. When Mayor Soriano came into office, his ask to the owner about this former construction staging site was routine: the soil needed to be tested for contaminants before our children could play there. To this day, the property owner, a major Valori donor, has not permitted soil tests. And to this day, with the full facts known, Valori continues to push for the township to acquire this land and construct a children’s park, without environmental testing.
That, in a nutshell, is the type of leadership Parsippany can expect from a Valori administration.
Parsippany voters had the good sense to reject Valori once. The decision to do so again is an easy one. A vote for Valori is a vote for political favoritism, budget gimmicks, overdevelopment, dishonesty, and putting Parsippany families in jeopardy.
PARSIPPANY — The first declared Republican candidate for Mayor has entered the 2021 race. Dr. Louis Valori, former Council President for the Township has announced his candidacy. He has released the following announcement:
Former Parsippany Councilman and local business owner Dr. Louis Valori today announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Mayor.
Citing the need for the township to reverse the spending frenzy under the Soriano administration, Valori says his years of public service and as a Parsippany resident best equip him to reign in skyrocketing tax and fee increases, improve quality of life, and stop taxpayer-funded overdevelopment.
“I am excited to formally announce my candidacy for Mayor. The encouragement of numerous residents, my family, and friends, along with my desire to continue serving this marvelous community, reinforced my decision,” said Valori. “My family has called Parsippany home for more than 32 years, and unfortunately, I have seen a precipitous decline in the state of our township under this current administration. As a public servant, I can’t — in good conscience — sit idly by and let the Soriano-spiral continue at the detriment to our residents and businesses alike.”
Valori contends Soriano’s municipal mismanagement failed to identify relevant cost savings and produce a balanced budget containing vital services without massive tax increases. Under Soriano’s watch, township activities and services have also declined while township properties and roadsides continue to be overrun by litter and discarded garbage bags.
“The last thing the current administration should be doing is pummeling our residents with paralyzing tax hikes, fee increases, and unrestrained spending. Many residents in our township are suffering as a result of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and can’t live paycheck to paycheck anymore because they are not employed or have lost their business,” Valori said.
“With this magnitude of dereliction, it is no wonder top Soriano officials are bailing on him midterm,” added Valori. Parsippany Township Business Administrators Ellen Sandman and Keith Kazmark, Chief Financial Officer Ann Cucci, Chief of Staff Matt Clarkin, Planning Board Attorney Scott Carlson are among top Soriano administration officials who resigned in 2020.
“Now is the time for real leadership that balances the needs of every neighborhood, of every person. To lead this township, the next Mayor must work tirelessly to earn the confidence and trust of every person on a daily basis,” stated Valori. “My history and record demonstrate that I am that leader who can unite the diverse communities which make up the fabric of this cherished township.”
“I am the candidate who will bring a positive vision to the township. If we do not work today on making things better for tomorrow, I am afraid what Parsippany’s quality of life will be in five, seven or ten years. We are past the time for talk and empty campaign promises by mayoral candidates who do not deliver real results for the taxpayers. I look forward to sharing my positive vision with the voters this primary season and in the general election,” said Valori. “The time for change is now. Parsippany taxpayers deserve better.”
As of now, Dr. Valori is the only Republican candidate who has announced. Other potential candidates include former Council Vice President Robert Peluso, former Mayor James Barberio, and newcomer Chris Mazzarella. If other candidates seek the position of Mayor there will be a primary election to held on June 8, 2021.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No: FMCE 21-000768
Division: Family
ARLES TORRES, Petitioner
and
GLORIA TORRES A.K.A. GLORIA GOMEZ, Respondent
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
(NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)
TO: GLORIA TORRES A.K.A GLORIA GOMEZ, (Respondent’s last known address) Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to in on ARLES TORRES VIA HIS ATTORNEY ALICE BAQUET, ESQUIRE whose address is 10661 N. KENDALL DRIVE #218, MIAMI, FL 33176 on or before March 19, 2021, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 4130, FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33301 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition.
The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: (insert “none” or, if applicable the legal description of real property, a specific description of personal property, and the name of the county in Florida where the property is located) THERE IS NO PERSONAL OR REAL PROPERTY TO BE DIVIDED.
Copies of this court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request.
You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
MORRIS COUNTY — Today’s Joint Committee on the Public Schools remote meeting highlighted the importance of getting teachers and children back in the classroom for full in-person learning, said the committee’s Assembly Republican members.
Legislators, state officials, education advocates, and concerned parents discussed how New Jersey can successfully reopen schools while addressing the learning loss and the social-emotional impact the pandemic has had on the students and teachers of New Jersey.
“I think everyone agrees that in-person learning is crucial, especially for children from our underserved communities that don’t have equitable access to the Internet and rely on school breakfast and lunch for their nutrition,” said Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (R-Morris). “But since kids are still not in the classroom, it is evident that the key players are not prioritizing our families most in need. It is time to fully fund schools so that they have what they need to reopen.”
Education spending for this school year is the same as last. Murphy’s plan to increase funding by $335 million was scrapped because of revenue concerns due to the coronavirus. How the federal Covid-19 relief funding the state receives for K-12 education is being spent remains unknown.
“We can’t wait until March to reconvene another meeting,” stressed Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (R-Monmouth). “The subject matter is just too important to put it off another month. It is imperative that the Department of Health be on our next call to discuss how we can safely get kids and teachers back to school as soon as possible. The learning loss and subpar education they are receiving are totally unacceptable and as we heard today not everyone is getting the same opportunities – our disadvantaged children are disproportionately suffering.”
On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that 190 school districts out of more than 600 remain remote only, while 95 have moved to in-person instruction. Twenty-one districts are offering a hybrid format that combines both remote and in-classroom learning and 35 have some combination of the formats. Districts like Newark, Trenton, Camden, Paterson, Pleasantville, and Jersey City have yet to return to in-person instruction. All are among the poorest districts in the state and part of what was formerly known as Abbott districts.
“Teachers are front-line workers and as such, should be able to receive the Covid vaccine,” said Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-Cape May), who is also the athletic director of Lower Cape May Regional High School. “Schools are important to children’s mental health, emotional well-being and provide the support that cannot be replicated online. It’s time we move teachers up in the queue to be vaccinated – whether we use existing nursing staff and hold clinics at schools or ensure they can receive appointments at other vaccination sites – we need to make a plan and put it into action now. There are only a few more months of the school year left.”
Health care personnel, long-term care residents and staff, first responders, and individuals deemed high risk for severe illness because of certain medical conditions are currently the only ones eligible to receive the vaccine.
Despite New Jersey Acting Commissioner of Education Angelica Allen-McMillan speaking during the joint meeting, she did not take questions from legislators. As such, the Republican Assembly members are submitting a list of questions to the commissioner. They are looking for answers concerning statewide guidelines for reopening schools, mental health services for students, meeting the needs of special education students, the distribution of federal Covid-19 funding for K-12 education, and more.
MORRIS COUNTY — “A member of the Governor’s family recently tested positive for COVID-19. Per guidance from public health officials, the contact tracing process has begun to notify everyone who may have come into contact with the Governor’s family member during the potential infection window.
“After careful review, the Governor does not qualify as an exposed close contact. However, out of an abundance of caution and in line with the highest levels of commitment to protecting public health, the Governor will be canceling in-person events and voluntarily quarantining before resuming any in-person engagements. The Governor received a coronavirus test earlier today as part of his regularly-scheduled testing regime, which came back negative.
“From the beginning, the Governor has taken every precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19. Today’s exceedingly cautious steps are part of that ongoing commitment.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the promotion of several members of the investigative team within the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The following investigative members will be promoted and assigned as indicated:
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Captain Jan Michael Monrad, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker.
Lieutenant Jan-Michael Monrad will be promoted to the rank of captain and will command the Special Operations Division. Captain Monrad has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since April of 2002 when he was hired as a Detective. Prior to joining the MCPO, Captain Monrad worked as a Patrolman with the Boonton Township Police Department. During his tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Captain Monrad has served in the General Investigations Unit, the Domestic Violence Unit, and the Special Enforcement Unit, High Tech Crimes Unit, and Intelligence/Homeland Security Unit, within the Special Operations Division. A Certified Forensic Computer Examiner by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists and a Tactical Emergency Medical Technician, Captain Monrad is a member of the Tactical Narcotics Team and Rapid Deployment Team.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Captain Jan Michael Monrad, Lieutenant Susan Johnson, Sergeant Leah Atterbury, Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, Detective Supervisor Stephen Gangi, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon.
Sergeant Susan E. Johnson will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant and will continue to be assigned to the General Investigations Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Lieutenant Johnson has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Lieutenant Johnson served as Patrol Officer and Detective for the Town of Boonton Police Department. During her tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Lieutenant Johnson has served in the Domestic Violence/Missing Persons Units, Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, General Investigations Unit, Pretrial Services Unit, and the Fraud and Professional Standards Units. Lieutenant Johnson has attended numerous leadership courses and received the FBI LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) Trilogy Award after completely the Supervisor, Command, and Executive Leadership Institute courses.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sergeant Leah Atterbury, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker.
Detective Supervisor Leah Atterbury will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and will be reassigned to the Pre-Trial Services Unit within the Courts & Administration Division. Sergeant Atterbury has been a member of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office since April 2004. Prior to joining the MCPO, Sergeant Atterbury served the New Jersey Transit Police Department and New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Justice, assigned to the Organized Crime and Racketeering Bureau. Sergeant Atterbury has served on the Professional Standards Unit, General Investigations Unit, Domestic Violence Unit, Fraud/Insurance Fraud Unit, Megan’s Law Unit, and the Juvenile and Missing Persons Unit. Sergeant Atterbury has received many awards during her law enforcement career, including a Meritorious Services Award and an Honor Award for the apprehension of an armed robber, and a commendation for her investigation which resulted in the safe recovery of a 15-year-old missing juvenile.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sergeant Patrick LaGuerre, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker
Detective Supervisor Patrick J. LaGuerre will be promoted to the rank of sergeant and will continue to be assigned to the Bias Crimes Unit and Community Outreach & Recruitment within the Specialized Crimes Division. Sergeant LaGuerre joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2013 as a Detective in the General Investigations Unit. Prior to joining the MCPO, Sergeant LaGuerre served with the East Orange Police Department in the patrol division, narcotics unit, Executive Protection Unit, and Enhanced Community Safety Team, and with the Newark Police Department and Essex County Auto Theft initiative. During his tenure with the MCPO, he has served in the Professional Standards Unit, CARE Unit, Juvenile Unit, and Missing Persons Unit. Sergeant LaGuerre has received commendations during his law enforcement career, and holds certifications in Emergency Management Administration and Global Security and Terrorism Studies, and is a Certified Behavioral Specialist and certified Train the Trainor for Mental Health, Implicit Bias, Bias Crimes, and Resiliency.
Acting Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Detective Supervisor Stephen Gangi, and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker
Detective Stephen J. Gangi will be promoted to the rank of detective supervisor and will continue to be assigned to the Major Crimes Unit within the Tactical Division. Detective Supervisor Gangi joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office in 2017. Prior to joining the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Gangi served as a Corrections Officer with the Essex County Correctional Facility and Detective with the East Orange Police Department, where he was assigned to the Street Gang Unit, Criminal Investigation Bureau, and Violent Crime Task Force. During his tenure with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Detective Supervisor Gangi has served in the Major Crimes Unit, where he has successfully investigated and arrested suspects in numerous homicides, and successfully investigated numerous bank robberies, aggravated assaults, and has several strict liability arrests for drug-related deaths.
A formal promotion ceremony was held on February 8, 2021. Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “I am pleased to make these well-deserved promotions to individuals who have been recognized for providing dedicated and skilled services to the citizens’ Morris County. I am highly confident that they will provide skillful and ethical leadership to our office and to the law enforcement community when needed most in such historically challenging times. We also wish to honor their families, who often must make the sacrifices to enable our officers to serve the public on a 24/7 on-call basis.”
PARSIPPANY — Indy Eleven wrapped up a week of new player announcements with today’s addition of goalkeeper Bobby Edwards to Indiana’s Team. Per club policy, the terms of the contract that bring the 25-year-old netminder to the Hoosier State will not be released.
